Topaz Lake
Key Takeaway
Topaz Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 11 ft (taller than 3.3% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 11,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 59.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 410 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | CA01473 |
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
Walker River Irrigation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Topaz Lake?
Topaz 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 Topaz Lake?
Topaz Lake is owned by Walker River Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Topaz Lake built?
Topaz Lake was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Topaz Lake?
Topaz Lake serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Topaz Lake?
Topaz Lake has a dam height of 11 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 Topaz Lake last inspected?
Topaz Lake was last inspected on February 2, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.