Homestake Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Homestake Tailings, located in Lake County, California, is a privately owned earth dam designed for water supply purposes, specifically to store tailings and provide water to the surrounding area.


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Summary

Completed in 1990, this dam stands at a height of 169 feet and has a hydraulic height of 163 feet, with a storage capacity of 32,370 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 11,670 feet and covers a surface area of 412 acres, with a drainage area of 1.48 square miles.

Despite its high hazard potential, Homestake Tailings has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition during its last inspection in September 2017. The dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and is subject to regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in January 2021, ensuring that proper measures are in place in case of any unforeseen events. Overall, Homestake Tailings serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure in the region, providing water for various purposes while adhering to strict regulatory guidelines to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

11670

Dam Height

169

River Or Stream

Tr Hunting Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

412

Hydraulic Height

163

Drainage Area

1.48

Nid Storage

32370

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

169
       
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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.