Tule Lake
Key Takeaway
Tule Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1904 and is 122 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 | 16 ft (taller than 9.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 39.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,650 acres |
| Drainage Area | 82 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1904 (122 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00956 |
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
Tule Lake Water Users Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Tule Lake?
Tule 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 Tule Lake?
Tule Lake is owned by Tule Lake Water Users Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Tule Lake built?
Tule Lake was completed in 1904, making it 122 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 Tule Lake?
Tule Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Tule Lake?
Tule Lake has a dam height of 16 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 Tule Lake last inspected?
Tule Lake was last inspected on May 18, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.