Tiger Creek Regulator
Tiger Creek Regulator is a concrete dam located in Amador County, California, built in 1931. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Tiger Creek Regulator
The primary purpose of Tiger Creek Regulator 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 Tiger Creek near Pioneer.
The dam stands 115 feet tall and stretches 510 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 13 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 533 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1931, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/21/2025.
At 115 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Amador |
| Nearest City | Pioneer |
| River/Stream | Tiger Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.47753, -120.45204 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 115 ft |
| Dam Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Length | 510 ft |
| Year Completed | 1931 (95 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 533 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 533 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 234 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/21/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00400 |
| Federal ID | CA00400 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |