Toreson is an earth dam located in Modoc County, California, built in 1898. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 55 ft55 ft tall and 315 ft long, taller than 94% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a ten-story building, about 100 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Toreson
The primary purpose of Toreson 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 Mr. and Mrs. Robert G Baird (private). It impounds the Toms Creek.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 315 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 92 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,140 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 17 square miles. Completed in 1898, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 09/23/2025.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Modoc |
| River/Stream | Toms Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.39270, -120.82140 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 315 ft |
| Year Completed | 1898 (128 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,140 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,140 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 92 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Mr. and Mrs. Robert G Baird |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/23/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00483 |
| Federal ID | CA00483 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |