Lake Theodore Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Theodore, located in Elders Corner, California, is a captivating water resource managed by the local government for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply purposes.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1896, stands at a height of 40 feet and holds a storage capacity of 207 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 0.7 square miles along the Sfk Dry Creek. With a surface area of 18 acres, Lake Theodore plays a crucial role in meeting the water needs of the surrounding community.

The dam at Lake Theodore is classified as an earth dam with a significant hydraulic height of 34.1 feet, presenting a high hazard potential. Despite this, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 deemed it satisfactory, ensuring its structural integrity and safety for continued operation. Regular inspections, with the last one conducted in January 2021, help monitor the dam's condition closely and maintain its safety standards in compliance with state regulations enforced by the Department of Water Resources.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Placer County area would find Lake Theodore a fascinating site for its historical significance, environmental impact, and role in sustaining local water needs. As a key infrastructure for water management and energy production, Lake Theodore stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early engineering efforts and continues to play a vital role in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1896

Dam Length

402

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

Sfk Dry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

34.1

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

207

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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.