Lookout Reservoir Report
Nearby: Roberts Taylor Creek No. 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lookout, a privately owned dam situated in Lookout, California, plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the Pit River.
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Summary
Completed in 1930, this buttress dam stands at 11 feet in height and spans 70 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 430 acre-feet. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, Lookout is subject to regular state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its satisfactory condition and adherence to safety standards.
Managed by the California Department of Water Resources and the Safety of Dams agency, Lookout serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply. With its strategic location in Modoc County and proximity to the San Francisco District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam contributes to the overall water resource management in the region. Regular inspections and a comprehensive emergency action plan further enhance the safety and resilience of Lookout, ensuring its continued functionality in mitigating flood risks and supporting water-related activities in the area.
The presence of Lookout underscores the intricate network of infrastructure supporting water resource management and climate resilience efforts in California. As a key player in flood risk reduction and water supply, this dam embodies the collaboration between private ownership, state agencies, and federal entities in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events. By upholding strict regulatory standards and investing in maintenance and emergency preparedness, Lookout stands as a vital asset in the sustainable management of water resources and climate adaptation in the region.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
70 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
Pit River |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
41 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
2427 |
Nid Storage |
430 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pit R Nr Canby Ca
|
56cfs |
Pit R Bl Pit No 1 Ph Nr Fall River Mills Ca
|
1200cfs |
Burney C A Burney Falls Nr Burney Ca
|
168cfs |
Sf Pit R Nr Likely Ca
|
9cfs |
Hat C Nr Hat Creek Ca
|
141cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lookout