Pyramid Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pyramid Lake is located in the Angeles and Los Padres National Forests in California.


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Summary

It is a reservoir formed by Pyramid Dam on Piru Creek, a tributary of the Santa Clara River. The lake was created in 1972 and is a key source of water for Southern California. The region receives most of its water from snowpack and surface flow from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake also serves as a hub for agricultural irrigation and recreational activities such as boating and fishing. The lake's recreational areas are popular for camping, picnicking, and hiking. Pyramid Lake has been a significant cultural site for Native American tribes for thousands of years and is considered a sacred site. Today, the lake remains an important resource for the people and wildlife of California.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change -0.34%
Percent of Normal 100%
Minimum 133,667.0 acre-ft
2008-03-20
Maximum 170,950.0 acre-ft
2009-08-07
Average 163,782 acre-ft
Dam_Height 400
Hydraulic_Height 380
Drainage_Area 432
Year_Completed 1974
Nid_Storage 171000
River_Or_Stream Piru Creek
Structural_Height 422
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Foundations Rock
Surface_Area 1290
Hazard_Potential High
Outlet_Gates Tainter (radial) - 1
Dam_Length 1090
Nid_Height 422
       
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.