Echo Lake, located in El Dorado County, California, is a privately owned reservoir with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. The dam, completed in 1992, is a Roller-Compacted Concrete structure standing at 12 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 12.5 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 1860 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including debris control, irrigation, and recreation.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Echo Lake is equipped with a controlled spillway and has a high hazard potential due to its location on Echo Creek. The reservoir covers a surface area of 338 acres and has a maximum discharge capacity of 1100 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam is not available, and risk assessment categorizes it as very high risk (1).

Overall, Echo Lake serves as a vital water resource and energy production facility in California, showcasing the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and hydroelectric power generation. With its scenic location near Lake Tahoe and comprehensive regulatory oversight, Echo Lake stands as a key infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and study.