Echo Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Echo Lake is a small alpine lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.


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Summary

The lake has a long history of recreational use, with the Echo Chalet resort opening in the early 1900s. The lake serves as an important source of water for the surrounding areas, with its hydrology primarily fed by surface flow and snowpack melt. The Upper American River Project manages the reservoir and dam, which provides hydroelectric power to the area. The lake also serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as fishing, camping, and hiking available. The surrounding forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, and mule deer. Agriculture in the area includes small-scale farming and ranching, while the lake also supports recreational activities such as swimming and boating.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
Minimum 1.0 acre-ft
2021-04-15
Maximum 2.0 acre-ft
2021-05-08
Average acre-ft
Nid_Height 14
Hydraulic_Height 12.5
Primary_Dam_Type Roller-Compacted Concrete
Drainage_Area 4.8
Year_Completed 1992
Dam_Height 12
Structural_Height 14
Surface_Area 338
Nid_Storage 1860
River_Or_Stream Echo Creek
Dam_Length 321
Hazard_Potential High
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
Inflow Levels

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.