Tahchevah

Tachevah Creek· Riverside, California· Built 1964· Earth· 42 ft tall
High Hazard Debris Control Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Tahchevah is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is debris control. 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 42 ft (taller than 50.1% in CA)
Dam Length3,600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage650 acre-ft
Surface Area60 acres
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDCA01170

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: April 20, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tahchevah?

Tahchevah 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 Tahchevah?

Tahchevah is owned by Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Tahchevah built?

Tahchevah was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Tahchevah?

Tahchevah serves the following purposes: Debris Control, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Tahchevah?

Tahchevah has a dam height of 42 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 Tahchevah last inspected?

Tahchevah was last inspected on April 20, 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.