Silver Lake
Key Takeaway
Silver Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1876 and is 150 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 32 ft (taller than 34.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 280 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 13.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 525 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,750 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1876 (150 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00377 |
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
El Dorado Irrigation District
Private
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Low Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Silver Lake?
Silver 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 Silver Lake?
Silver Lake is owned by El Dorado Irrigation District (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Silver Lake built?
Silver Lake was completed in 1876, making it 150 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 Silver Lake?
Silver Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Silver Lake?
Silver Lake has a dam height of 32 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 Silver Lake last inspected?
Silver Lake was last inspected on August 23, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.