Boca Dam
Boca Dam is an earth dam located in Nevada County, California, built in 1939. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Boca Dam
The primary purpose of Boca Dam 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 Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Little Truckee River near Verdi, Nv.
The dam stands 116 feet tall and stretches 1,629 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 977 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 40,870 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 172 square miles. Completed in 1939, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/08/2023.
At 116 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Nevada |
| Nearest City | Verdi, Nv |
| River/Stream | Little Truckee River |
| Coordinates | 39.39010, -120.09550 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 116 ft |
| Dam Height | 116 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,629 ft |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 40,870 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 40,870 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 32,870 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 977 acres |
| Drainage Area | 172 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 08/08/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA10135 |
| Federal ID | CA10135 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |