Lake Temescal
Lake Temescal is an earth dam located in Alameda County, California, built in 1869. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Temescal
The primary purpose of Lake Temescal 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 East Bay Regional Park District (public utility). It impounds the Temescal Creek near Emeryville.
The dam stands 116 feet tall and stretches 650 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1869, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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 04/15/2025.
At 116 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Alameda |
| Nearest City | Emeryville |
| River/Stream | Temescal Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.84800, -122.23120 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 116 ft |
| Dam Height | 116 ft |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Year Completed | 1869 (157 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | East Bay Regional Park District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/15/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00160 |
| Federal ID | CA00160 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |