Soda Lake

Tr Pajaro River· Santa Cruz, California· Built 1978· Earth· 44 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Soda Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 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 44 ft (taller than 52.6% in CA)
Dam Length3,686 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.6K acre-ft
Surface Area72 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1978 (48 years old)
NID IDCA01094

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 21, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Granite Rock Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Soda Lake?

Soda 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 Soda Lake?

Soda Lake is owned by Granite Rock Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Soda Lake built?

Soda Lake was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 Soda Lake?

Soda Lake 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 Soda Lake?

Soda Lake has a dam height of 44 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 Soda Lake last inspected?

Soda Lake was last inspected on June 21, 2022. 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.