University Mound South Basin dam
University Mound South Basin
University Mound South Basin is a vital water supply infrastructure located in San Francisco, California. This Earth-type dam, completed in 1937, stands at a height of 61 feet and has a hydraulic height of 59.5 feet. With a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet, this offstream structure plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for the city. The dam covers an area of 11 acres and is regulated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) for safety and inspection.
Despite its age, University Mound South Basin maintains a satisfactory condition assessment, with a high hazard potential due to its location. However, regular inspections and enforcement by state regulatory agencies ensure its continued functionality and safety. The dam is associated with the primary purpose of water supply and serves as a crucial component of the local government's water resource management strategy. The structure's last inspection in February 2020 confirms its sound condition, with emergency action plans in place to address any unforeseen events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, University Mound South Basin offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, water supply, and environmental stewardship. As a key element in San Francisco's water management system, this dam exemplifies the importance of maintaining and regulating critical water resources. Its history, design, and ongoing maintenance provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable water management in the face of climate change and increasing demand. University Mound South Basin stands as a testament to the crucial role of infrastructure in securing water resources for future generations amidst evolving environmental conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around University Mound South Basin -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Redwood C A Hwy 1 Bridge A Muir Beach Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| San Mateo C Bl Lo Crystal Sp Res Nr San Mateo Ca | 4 cfs | → |
| Pilarcitos C Bl Stone Dam Nr Hillsborough Ca | 4 cfs | → |
| San Lorenzo C A San Lorenzo Ca | 14 cfs | → |
| Pilarcitos C A Half Moon Bay Ca | 10 cfs | → |
| Corte Madera C A Ross Ca | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near University Mound South Basin.
Boat launches
- Pier 52 Boat Launch
- San Francisco Bay Trail, South San Francisco
- Harding Road San Francisco
- Pan American Esplanade San Francisco
- Northpoint Drive 1235, San Francisco
- Mckay Avenue 1200, Alameda
Campgrounds
- Candlestick Rv Park
- Aquatic Park Cove
- Rob Hill Campground
- Kirby Cove Campground
- Bicentennial Campground
- Ridge Sites
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Mouth
- Headwaters To Ends One Quarter Mile South Of Bear Valley Road Bridge Segment 1: Ends 1/4 Mile South Of Bear Valley Road Bridge Segment 2: Caltrans Corporation Yard At Point Reyes Staton.
- Olema Ranch Campground To Caltrans Corporation Yard At Point Reyes Station
- Gold Creek To Three Pools (Opal Creek Run)
Track University Mound South Basin in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About University Mound South Basin
Where does the data for University Mound South Basin come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of University Mound South Basin.