Whiskeytown Dam (Usbr) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Whiskeytown Dam is a concrete arch dam located in Shasta County, California.


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Summary

It was constructed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation in 1963 for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. The dam impounds the Sacramento River, creating Whiskeytown Lake, which is a popular recreational area for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake also serves as a source of irrigation for agricultural purposes. The hydrology of the Whiskeytown Dam is dependent on snowpack from the surrounding mountains, which provides a significant portion of the water supply during the dry season. The dam is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and plays a critical role in the water supply for the surrounding communities.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change -0.08%
Percent of Normal 113%
Minimum 198,797.0 acre-ft
2011-02-13
Maximum 251,365.0 acre-ft
2023-01-14
Average 208,391 acre-ft
Dam_Height 263
Hydraulic_Height 263
Drainage_Area 202
Year_Completed 1963
Nid_Storage 276117
Structural_Height 282
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Surface_Area 3458
Hazard_Potential High
River_Or_Stream CLEAR CREEK
Dam_Length 2250
Nid_Height 282
       
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.