Lake Fordyce
Lake Fordyce is a rockfill dam located in Nevada County, California, built in 1873. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Lake Fordyce
The primary purpose of Lake Fordyce is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Pacific Gas And Electric Company (private). It impounds the Fordyce Creek near Washington.
The dam stands 145 feet tall and stretches 1,220 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 772 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 49,903 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 31 square miles. Completed in 1873, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/10/2025.
At 145 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The California dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Nevada |
| Nearest City | Washington |
| River/Stream | Fordyce Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.38020, -120.49660 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 145 ft |
| Dam Height | 145 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,220 ft |
| Year Completed | 1873 (153 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 49,903 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 49,903 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 46,700 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 772 acres |
| Drainage Area | 31 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 09/10/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00357 |
| Federal ID | CA00357 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |