Upper Sunset Lake

U Pleasant Vy Cr· Alpine, California· Built 1904· Earth· 22 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Upper Sunset Lake is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1904 and is 122 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 18.8% in CA)
Dam Length70 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area27 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1904 (122 years old)
NID IDCA00639

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: May 31, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Alpine Land and Reservoir Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Sunset Lake?

Upper Sunset 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 Sunset Lake?

Upper Sunset Lake is owned by Alpine Land and Reservoir Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Sunset Lake built?

Upper Sunset 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 Upper Sunset Lake?

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

How tall is Upper Sunset Lake?

Upper Sunset Lake has a dam height of 22 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 Sunset Lake last inspected?

Upper Sunset Lake was last inspected on May 31, 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.