Turlock Lake
Key Takeaway
Turlock Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 36 ft (taller than 40.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 196 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 63.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,260 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00279 |
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
Turlock Irrigation District
Public Utility
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High Hazard 75 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Turlock Lake?
Turlock 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 Turlock Lake?
Turlock Lake is owned by Turlock Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Turlock Lake built?
Turlock Lake was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Turlock Lake?
Turlock Lake serves the following purposes: Other, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Turlock Lake?
Turlock Lake has a dam height of 36 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 Turlock Lake last inspected?
Turlock Lake was last inspected on March 8, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.