Lagunitas

Lagunitas is an earth dam located in Marin County, California, built in 1872. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Lagunitas

The primary purpose of Lagunitas is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Marin Municipal Water District (public utility). It impounds the Lagunitas Creek.

The dam stands 48 feet tall and stretches 433 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 22 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 341 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1872, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/18/2025.

At 48 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyMarin
River/StreamLagunitas Creek
Coordinates37.94760, -122.59630

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height48 ft
Dam Height48 ft
Dam Length433 ft
Year Completed1872 (154 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage341 acre-ft
Max Storage341 acre-ft
Surface Area22 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerMarin Municipal Water District
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection09/18/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA00205
Federal IDCA00205
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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