Upper Sardine Lake

Sardine Creek· Sierra, California· Earth· 23 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Sardine Lake is classified as low hazard in California. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 21.2% in CA)
Dam Length165 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage975 acre-ft
NID IDCA10431

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 11, 2023
State Regulated: No

Ownership

US Dept. of Agriculture - Forest Service

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Sardine Lake?

Upper Sardine Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Upper Sardine Lake?

Upper Sardine Lake is owned by US Dept. of Agriculture - Forest Service (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Upper Sardine Lake?

Upper Sardine Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Sardine Lake?

Upper Sardine Lake has a dam height of 23 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 Upper Sardine Lake last inspected?

Upper Sardine Lake was last inspected on July 11, 2023. 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.