Mammoth Reservoir

Mammoth Reservoir is an earth dam located in Placer County, California, built in 1851. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Mammoth Reservoir

Mammoth Reservoir is a dam in Placer, California. The dam is owned by Placer County Water Agency (local government). It impounds the Offstream near Granite Bay.

The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 2,360 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 103 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1851, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half 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 09/24/2025.

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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyPlacer
Nearest CityGranite Bay
River/StreamOffstream
Coordinates38.81860, -121.13900

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height23 ft
Dam Height23 ft
Dam Length2,360 ft
Year Completed1851 (175 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage103 acre-ft
Max Storage103 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeOther
OwnerPlacer County Water Agency
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection09/24/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA00861
Federal IDCA00861
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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