Blue Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Blue Lake, located in Nevada County, California, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1856 for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

With a structural height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 1200 acre-feet, this dam on Rucker Creek serves as a vital source of water and power generation in the region. The dam has a spillway width of 12 feet and a maximum discharge of 253 cfs, making it a crucial infrastructure for water resource management.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Blue Lake Dam has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. While the condition assessment is currently not available, regular inspections and enforcement ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of the dam. Additionally, emergency action plans are in place to address any potential risks and ensure the safety of nearby communities in the event of a dam failure.

Blue Lake Dam, with its historical significance and important role in water resource management, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of its time. As climate change continues to impact water availability and infrastructure resilience, the preservation and maintenance of dams like Blue Lake are crucial for sustainable water management and adaptation to changing climate conditions in the region.

Year Completed

1856

Dam Length

282

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Rucker Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

62

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

1200

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.