Ward Lake

Tr Susan River· Lassen, California· Built 1889· Earth· 23 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Ward Lake is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1889 and is 137 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 21.2% in CA)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage350 acre-ft
Surface Area60 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1889 (137 years old)
NID IDCA00508

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: June 30, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

R. and H. Leasing

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ward Lake?

Ward 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 Ward Lake?

Ward Lake is owned by R. and H. Leasing (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ward Lake built?

Ward Lake was completed in 1889, making it 137 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 Ward Lake?

Ward 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 Ward Lake?

Ward 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 Ward Lake last inspected?

Ward Lake was last inspected on June 30, 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.