Salinas Dam
Key Takeaway
Salinas Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 135 ft (taller than 87.9% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 305 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 43.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 26.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 793 acres |
| Drainage Area | 111 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 27,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10202 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - Los Angeles District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Salinas Dam?
Salinas Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Salinas Dam?
Salinas Dam is owned by USACE - Los Angeles District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Salinas Dam built?
Salinas Dam was completed in 1941, making it 85 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Salinas Dam?
Salinas Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Salinas Dam?
Salinas Dam has a dam height of 135 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Salinas Dam last inspected?
Salinas Dam was last inspected on May 3, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.