Sequoia Lake
Key Takeaway
Sequoia Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1888 and is 138 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 | 51 ft (taller than 60.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 225 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1888 (138 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00709 |
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
Y.M.C.A., Inc.
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sequoia Lake?
Sequoia Lake 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 Sequoia Lake?
Sequoia Lake is owned by Y.M.C.A., Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sequoia Lake built?
Sequoia Lake was completed in 1888, making it 138 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 Sequoia Lake?
Sequoia Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sequoia Lake?
Sequoia Lake has a dam height of 51 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 Sequoia Lake last inspected?
Sequoia Lake was last inspected on April 5, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.