Haiwee

Haiwee is an earth dam located in Inyo County, California, built in 1913. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Haiwee

The primary purpose of Haiwee 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 City Of Los Angeles Department Of Water And Power (local government). It impounds the Rose Valley near Little Lake.

The dam stands 81 feet tall and stretches 1,555 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,350 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 60,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 89 square miles. Completed in 1913, 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 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 10/24/2024.

At 81 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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyInyo
Nearest CityLittle Lake
River/StreamRose Valley
Coordinates36.13760, -117.95310

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height81 ft
Dam Height81 ft
Dam Length1,555 ft
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage60,600 acre-ft
Max Storage60,600 acre-ft
Surface Area1,350 acres
Drainage Area89 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCity of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection10/24/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA00082
Federal IDCA00082
More InfoState Dam Safety Program