Sempervirens

Sempervirens Creek· Santa Cruz, California· Built 1951· Earth· 42 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Water Supply State Government

Key Takeaway

Sempervirens is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 42 ft (taller than 50.1% in CA)
Dam Length260 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage78 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1951 (75 years old)
NID IDCA00013

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 22, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

California Department of Parks and Recreation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sempervirens?

Sempervirens is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Sempervirens?

Sempervirens is owned by California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sempervirens built?

Sempervirens was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Sempervirens?

Sempervirens serves the following purposes: Other, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Sempervirens?

Sempervirens has a dam height of 42 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 Sempervirens last inspected?

Sempervirens was last inspected on July 22, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.