Morning Star
Morning Star is an earth dam located in Placer County, California, built in 1870. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Morning Star
The primary purpose of Morning Star 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 De Anza Placer Gold Mining Company (private). It impounds the North Forbes Cr.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 780 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 56 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,405 acre-feet. Completed in 1870, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 10/16/2025.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 90% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Placer |
| River/Stream | North Forbes Cr |
| Coordinates | 39.14280, -120.75600 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Length | 780 ft |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,405 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,405 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 56 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | De Anza Placer Gold Mining Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/16/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00546 |
| Federal ID | CA00546 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |