Sutro Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Sutro Reservoir, located in San Francisco, California, is a local government-owned earth dam built in 1952 primarily for water supply purposes.


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Summary

With a dam height of 55 feet and a hydraulic height of 53.5 feet, this offstream reservoir has a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres. The reservoir is regulated and inspected by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2017, Sutro Reservoir is classified as having a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness. The dam has not been modified in recent years, with the last inspection carried out in February 2020. The reservoir's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures currently remain unspecified, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to mitigate potential risks and ensure the reservoir's long-term functionality.

Sutro Reservoir stands as a vital water resource infrastructure in San Francisco, providing crucial water supply to the region. As a significant component of the city's water infrastructure, the reservoir's maintenance, regulation, and emergency preparedness are essential to safeguarding the community against potential risks and ensuring the reliable delivery of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

Offstream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

53.5

Nid Storage

96

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

55
       
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.