Steamboat Lake

Tr Lit Shasta R· Siskiyou, California· Built 1968· Earth· 22 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Irrigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Steamboat Lake is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 18.8% in CA)
Dam Length655 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.7K acre-ft
Surface Area304 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDCA00499

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: No
Last Inspection: March 28, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Steamboat Lake?

Steamboat Lake 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 Steamboat Lake?

Steamboat Lake is owned by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Steamboat Lake built?

Steamboat Lake was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Steamboat Lake?

Steamboat 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 Steamboat Lake?

Steamboat Lake has a dam height of 22 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 Steamboat Lake last inspected?

Steamboat Lake was last inspected on March 28, 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.