Senator Wash - Squaw Lake Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Imperial, California, the Senator Wash - Squaw Lake Dike is a critical federal structure managed by the Bureau of Reclamation for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1966, this Earth dam stands at a height of 95 feet and stretches for 3,795 feet, with a storage capacity of 17,766 acre-feet. It plays a key role in regulating the offstream flow of the Senator Wash River, serving as a vital component of water resource management in the region.

With a high hazard potential and risk assessment rating of 2, the dike requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safeguard against potential emergencies. Despite its remote location and lack of a spillway, the dam's importance in water storage and flood control cannot be understated. As part of the federal infrastructure, the Bureau of Reclamation oversees its operations, inspections, and regulatory matters, highlighting its significance in the overall water management system.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Senator Wash - Squaw Lake Dike represents a key piece of infrastructure in California's water management network. Its role in hydroelectric power generation, storage capacity, and flood control underscores its importance in ensuring water security for the region. As climate change impacts water availability and variability, structures like the Senator Wash - Squaw Lake Dike will play a crucial role in adapting to changing conditions and mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

3795

Dam Height

95

River Or Stream

SENATOR WASH - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

470

Hydraulic Height

78

Drainage Area

21

Nid Storage

17766

Structural Height

95

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

95
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.