Whiskeytown
Key Takeaway
Whiskeytown is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 263 ft (taller than 97.5% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 2,250 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 276.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 241.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,458 acres |
| Drainage Area | 202 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10204 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 37 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whiskeytown?
Whiskeytown 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 Whiskeytown?
Whiskeytown is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whiskeytown built?
Whiskeytown was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Whiskeytown?
Whiskeytown serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Whiskeytown?
Whiskeytown has a dam height of 263 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 Whiskeytown last inspected?
Whiskeytown was last inspected on March 9, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.