Suttenfield Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Suttenfield, located in Sonoma, California, is a state-regulated dam built in 1938 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Standing at 76 feet in height with a hydraulic height of 70 feet, Suttenfield spans 965 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Sonoma Creek and serves the city of El Verano by providing irrigation and water supply.

With a hazard potential classified as high, Suttenfield has undergone regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in September 2017, receiving a satisfactory condition rating. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Water Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place, with the last revision made in March 2021. As an essential infrastructure for water resource management in the region, Suttenfield plays a crucial role in maintaining water supply reliability and flood control along the Sonoma Creek.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

965

Dam Height

76

River Or Stream

Sonoma Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

70

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

600

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

76
       
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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.