Crystal Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crystal Lake, located in Cameron Park, California, is a privately owned reservoir with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1952, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet, with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a length of 700 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 225 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 12 acres, drawing water from Tr Deer Creek for irrigation, recreation, and water supply.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Crystal Lake is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a high hazard potential but was found to be in satisfactory condition during its last assessment in September 2017. Regular inspections and emergency action plans are in place to mitigate risks and respond to any potential threats, with the most recent inspection conducted in January 2021.

As a vital water resource in El Dorado County, Crystal Lake serves as a critical component of the local water supply infrastructure. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate sustainability will find interest in the dam's operational details, maintenance practices, and the collaborative efforts between private ownership and state regulatory agencies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of this essential reservoir.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

Tr Deer Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

225

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

32
       
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.