Sweetwater Main
Key Takeaway
Sweetwater Main 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 | 112 ft (taller than 84.4% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 27.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 936 acres |
| Drainage Area | 182 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1888 (138 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00775 |
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
Sweetwater Authority
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sweetwater Main?
Sweetwater Main 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 Sweetwater Main?
Sweetwater Main is owned by Sweetwater Authority (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sweetwater Main built?
Sweetwater Main 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 Sweetwater Main?
Sweetwater Main serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Tailings, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sweetwater Main?
Sweetwater Main has a dam height of 112 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 Sweetwater Main last inspected?
Sweetwater Main was last inspected on October 4, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.