Cherry Valley Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cherry Valley, also known as Cherry Lake, is a key water resource infrastructure located in Moccasin, Tuolumne County, California.


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Summary

This dam on Cherry Creek serves various purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply. Completed in 1956, Cherry Valley Dam is an earth-type structure standing at a height of 315 feet with a storage capacity of 273,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,535 acres.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), the dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as per the last assessment in September 2017. The dam is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. With a drainage area of 114 square miles, Cherry Valley Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Situated in the San Francisco District and overseen by Congressman Tom McClintock (R), Cherry Valley Dam plays a vital role in water management and flood protection efforts in the area. With its significant storage capacity and strategic location on Cherry Creek, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for maintaining water supply, supporting agricultural activities, and safeguarding communities from flood events. As climate change impacts intensify, the proper maintenance and management of Cherry Valley Dam will be essential for ensuring water security and resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

2630

Dam Height

315

River Or Stream

Cherry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1535

Hydraulic Height

302.5

Drainage Area

114

Nid Storage

273500

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

315
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.