Slab Creek
Slab Creek is a concrete dam located in El Dorado County, California, built in 1967. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Slab Creek
The primary purpose of Slab Creek is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (public utility). It impounds the Slab Creek near Coloma.
The dam stands 250 feet tall and stretches 817 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 249 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 13,081 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 493 square miles. Completed in 1967, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 08/31/2023.
At 250 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | El Dorado |
| Nearest City | Coloma |
| River/Stream | Slab Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.77320, -120.69900 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 250 ft |
| Dam Height | 250 ft |
| Dam Length | 817 ft |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 16,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 13,081 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 16,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 249 acres |
| Drainage Area | 493 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 127,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Sacramento Municipal Utility District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/31/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00823 |
| Federal ID | CA00823 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |