Horse Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Snowstorm Dam (Blm) Coon Camp
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Horse Lake in Lassen County, California, is a privately-owned dam built in 1912 primarily for water supply purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at 12 feet high with a hydraulic height of 6.5 feet and a length of 1200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. Located in Snowstorm Ranch near Snowstorm Creek, Horse Lake serves as a crucial water source for the surrounding area, covering a surface area of 34 acres and draining a 16.65 square mile watershed.
Although the dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in September 2017, regular inspections by the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Despite its modest size, Horse Lake offers recreational opportunities alongside its water supply function, attracting enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water resources and climate management. With a history dating back over a century, Horse Lake remains a significant structure in the region, contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the local water infrastructure.
Managed by private owners, Horse Lake exemplifies the importance of small-scale dams in supporting water supply needs in California. With its connections to Snowstorm Creek and the San Francisco District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Horse Lake showcases the intricate network of water management systems in the state. As climate change impacts water resources, the upkeep and regulation of structures like Horse Lake become increasingly vital in ensuring water security and environmental stewardship for future generations.
Year Completed |
1912 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Snowstorm Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
34 |
Hydraulic Height |
6.5 |
Drainage Area |
16.65 |
Nid Storage |
75 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sf Pit R Nr Likely Ca
|
9cfs |
Hat C Nr Hat Creek Ca
|
141cfs |
Spanish C Ab Blackhawk C At Keddie Ca
|
57cfs |
Pit R Nr Canby Ca
|
56cfs |
Spanish C A Quincy Ca
|
31cfs |
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.
Horse Lake