Sawmill Spillway
Key Takeaway
Sawmill Spillway is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 1.7% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 270 ft |
| Dam Type | Buttress |
| Max Storage | 3.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 113 acres |
| Drainage Area | 18 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00250 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Nevada Irrigation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Upper Rock Lake Auxiliary
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Low Hazard 8 ftLower Rock Lake
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Low Hazard 10 ftCulbertson Lake
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Low Hazard 20 ftFaucherie Spillway Auxiliary
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High Hazard 3 ftUpper Lindsey
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Low Hazard 8 ftMiddle Lindsey
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Low Hazard 8 ftJackson Lake
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High Hazard 22 ftBowman Arch
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High Hazard 105 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sawmill Spillway?
Sawmill Spillway is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Sawmill Spillway?
Sawmill Spillway is owned by Nevada Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sawmill Spillway built?
Sawmill Spillway was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Sawmill Spillway?
Sawmill Spillway serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sawmill Spillway?
Sawmill Spillway has a dam height of 9 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 Sawmill Spillway last inspected?
Sawmill Spillway was last inspected on August 23, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.