Echo Lake
Echo Lake is a roller-compacted concrete dam located in El Dorado County, California, built in 1992. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Echo Lake
The primary purpose of Echo Lake 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 El Dorado Irrigation District (private). It impounds the Echo Creek near Lake Tahoe.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 321 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 338 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,860 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1992, the structure is 34 years old.
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 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 08/24/2023.
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 | El Dorado |
| Nearest City | Lake Tahoe |
| River/Stream | Echo Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.83505, -120.04474 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Roller-Compacted Concrete |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Length | 321 ft |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,860 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,860 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,860 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 338 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,100 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | El Dorado Irrigation District |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/24/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00374 |
| Federal ID | CA00374 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |