Independence
Independence is an earth dam located in Sierra County, California, built in 1939. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Independence
The primary purpose of Independence 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 Truckee Meadows Water Authority (public utility). It impounds the Independence Cr.
The dam stands 31 feet tall and stretches 847 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 725 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 18,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 7 square miles. Completed in 1939, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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 10/23/2025.
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 | Sierra |
| River/Stream | Independence Cr |
| Coordinates | 39.45190, -120.29070 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Length | 847 ft |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 725 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Truckee Meadows Water Authority |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/23/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00458 |
| Federal ID | CA00458 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |