Shasta Dam (Usbr) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Shasta Dam, located on the Sacramento River in northern California, was built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) in the 1940s.


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Summary

The dam was constructed primarily for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. It is the seventh-largest dam in the United States and the second-largest in California. The reservoir created by the dam, Shasta Lake, has a capacity of 4.5 million acre-feet of water and is a major source of water for central and southern California. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by snowpack in the surrounding mountains, which provides much of the water that fills the reservoir. The dam and reservoir also support recreational activities such as boating and fishing, and provide water to support agricultural production in the region.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change -0.53%
Percent of Normal 147%
Minimum 967,370.0 acre-ft
2021-10-21
Maximum 4,507,248.0 acre-ft
2010-05-22
Average 2,596,949 acre-ft
Dam_Height 602
Hydraulic_Height 526
Drainage_Area 6665
Year_Completed 1945
Nid_Storage 4661860
Structural_Height 602
River_Or_Stream SACRAMENTO RIVER
Foundations Rock
Surface_Area 30210
Hazard_Potential High
Dam_Length 3460
Primary_Dam_Type Concrete
Nid_Height 602
       
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.