Ler Howell is an earth dam located in Santa Clara County, California, built in 1877. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 39 ft39 ft tall and 475 ft long, taller than 85% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Ler Howell
The primary purpose of Ler Howell 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 San Jose Water Company (public utility). It impounds the Rundell Creek.
The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 475 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 8 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 153 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1877, 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 39 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Santa Clara |
| River/Stream | Rundell Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.18930, -122.01460 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Length | 475 ft |
| Year Completed | 1877 (149 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 153 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 153 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | San Jose Water Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/23/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00677 |
| Federal ID | CA00677 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |