Kidd Lake Auxiliary Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kidd Lake Auxiliary is a privately owned earth dam located in Placer, California, with a significant hazard potential.


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Summary

Built in 1850 for hydroelectric purposes, the dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a hydraulic height of 11.5 feet. With a storage capacity of 1520 acre-feet, it serves as an important structure within the South Yuba River watershed.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Kidd Lake Auxiliary undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential hydroelectric functions, contributing to the sustainable management of water resources in the region. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), efforts are made to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the effective operation of the dam.

Located in the city of Washington, the Kidd Lake Auxiliary dam plays a crucial role in supporting water resource management and climate resilience in the area. As part of the broader network of structures in the region, it highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring vital infrastructure to safeguard communities and ecosystems against the impacts of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

617

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

South Yuba River - Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

86

Hydraulic Height

11.5

Nid Storage

1520

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.