Saddlebag Lake
Saddlebag Lake is a rockfill dam located in Mono County, California, built in 1921. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Saddlebag Lake
The primary purpose of Saddlebag 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 Southern California Edison Company (private). It impounds the Lee Vining Creek near Lee Vining.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 297 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 18,100 acre-feet. Completed in 1921, the structure is over a century 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 08/21/2025.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
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 | Mono |
| Nearest City | Lee Vining |
| River/Stream | Lee Vining Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.96540, -119.27330 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18,100 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18,100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9,789 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 297 acres |
| Max Discharge | 900 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Southern California Edison Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/21/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00455 |
| Federal ID | CA00455 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |