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Table 10 Hazard Potential Classification of Dams . Category Loss of Life (Extent of Development) Economic Loss (Extent of Development) Low None expected (No permanent structures for human habitation) Minimal (Undeveloped to occasional structures or agriculture) Significant Few expected (No urban develDp- ments and no more than a small number of inhabitable structures) Appreciable (Notable agriculture, industry, or structures) High More than a few expected Excessive (Extensive community, industry, or agriculture) It should be noted that the hazard relates to the development downstream that would be damaged if a dam failed for any reason. It does not necessarily reflect the likelihood of failure. That is judged by analysis of the dam's structural condition or its hydrologic capability to store or pass a major flood without failure, An intermediate size dam has a height greater than or equal to 40 feet, but less than 100 feet, and has a storage capacity greater than or equal to 1,000 acre-feet, but less than 50,000 acre-feot. Dams falling below these limits are classified as small, and those above these limits are termed large, The size classification is determined by the storage or height, whichever gives the larger size category. Figure 1 illustrates typical dam characteristics. The dams inspec- ted in the study area usually store water for irrigation or municipal supply. Almost all Df the dams are constructed of earthfill embank- ments and are located offstream on minor tributaries or in normally dry gulches. Most dams therefore, have relatively small contributing 38 .