Crystal Springs Dam is a gravity dam constructed across the San Mateo Creek, impounding water to form the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir in San Mateo County, California. It was among the first concrete gravity dams built in the western United States.
The structure was completed in 1888, and has survived both the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake — despite its location directly on the San Andreas Fault. The designer was Hermann Schussler, Chief Engineer of the Spring Valley Water Company. The dam was constructed by using large blocks poured separately, and allowed to set before adjoining blocks were poured. The unique feature of this dam is the fact that none of the horizontal or vertical joints match up. Schussler was also very demanding that the concrete be batched in the exact proportions of his mix design. Although this dam was erected about 100 yards east of the San Andreas fault line and was subject to severe shaking it survived undamaged.
The dam has a road running over it and forms the trailhead of the popular Sawyer Camp Trail. Currently the dam is undergoing renovations. The dam is being raised to increase the water storage capacity of the reservoir as well as other changes. The roadway on top of the dam is closed.
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Lower Crystal Springs Dam
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Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
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