Searsville
Key Takeaway
Searsville is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 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 | 68 ft (taller than 72.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 260 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 90 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00669 |
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
Stanford University Board of Trustees
Private
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Low Hazard 52 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Searsville?
Searsville 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 Searsville?
Searsville is owned by Stanford University Board of Trustees (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Searsville built?
Searsville was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Searsville?
Searsville serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Searsville?
Searsville has a dam height of 68 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 Searsville last inspected?
Searsville was last inspected on November 2, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.