Sutherland Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sutherland Dam, located in Ramona, California, along the Santa Ysabel Creek, is a critical infrastructure owned by the local government for flood risk reduction and water supply purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1954, this Multi-Arch type dam stands at a height of 162 feet with a storage capacity of 29,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 550 acres. With a drainage area of 54 square miles, it plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Sutherland Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. Despite being deemed as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was reported as satisfactory. The last inspection in December 2020 indicated that the dam was meeting safety standards, showcasing its importance in mitigating flood risks in the area.

The presence of Sutherland Dam not only highlights the significance of water resource management in California but also underscores the crucial role of infrastructure in climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, dams like Sutherland play a vital role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from flooding and ensuring a sustainable water supply for the region.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

1020

Dam Height

162

River Or Stream

Santa Ysabel Creek

Primary Dam Type

Multi-Arch

Surface Area

550

Hydraulic Height

145

Drainage Area

54

Nid Storage

29000

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

162
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.