Lake Francis
Lake Francis is an earth dam located in Yuba County, California, built in 2000. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Francis
The primary purpose of Lake Francis 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 Yuba County Water Agency (local government). It impounds the Dobbins Creek near N/a.
The dam stands 79 feet tall and stretches 1,341 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 98 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,905 acre-feet. Completed in 2000, the structure is 26 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 05/28/2025.
At 79 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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 | Yuba |
| Nearest City | N/a |
| River/Stream | Dobbins Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.35990, -121.20640 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 79 ft |
| Dam Height | 79 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,341 ft |
| Year Completed | 2000 (26 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,905 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,905 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 98 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Yuba County Water Agency |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/28/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00866 |
| Federal ID | CA00866 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |