Crater Lake

Crater Lake is an earth dam located in Alpine County, California, built in 1937. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Crater Lake

The primary purpose of Crater Lake 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 Frederick W. Dressler And Kent Neddenriep (private). It impounds the Crater Lake Creek.

The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 220 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 20 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 320 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1937, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 10/27/2025.

At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Low HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: No

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyAlpine
River/StreamCrater Lake Creek
Coordinates38.72350, -119.97410

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height36 ft
Dam Height36 ft
Dam Length220 ft
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage320 acre-ft
Max Storage320 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerFrederick W. Dressler and Kent Neddenriep
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationLow
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection10/27/2025
Emergency Action PlanNo

Identifiers

NID IDCA00630
Federal IDCA00630
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams