San Pablo
Key Takeaway
San Pablo is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 | 170 ft (taller than 92.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,250 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 43.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 854 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00166 |
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
East Bay Municipal Utility District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 28 ftC.L. Tilden Park
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High Hazard 88 ftArgyle No. 2
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High Hazard 27 ftSan Pablo Clearwell
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Low Hazard 42 ftBriones
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High Hazard 273 ftMaloney
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High Hazard 107 ftNorth
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High Hazard 82 ftLake Orinda
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High Hazard 45 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of San Pablo?
San Pablo 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 San Pablo?
San Pablo is owned by East Bay Municipal Utility District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was San Pablo built?
San Pablo was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 San Pablo?
San Pablo serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is San Pablo?
San Pablo has a dam height of 170 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 San Pablo last inspected?
San Pablo was last inspected on January 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.