Lake Curry dam
Lake Curry
Lake Curry, located in Napa, California, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for flood risk reduction and water supply purposes. Constructed in 1926, this earth dam stands at a height of 107 feet and has a storage capacity of 10,700 acre-feet, serving the surrounding area by controlling the flow of Gordon Valley Creek. With a surface area of 377 acres and a drainage area of 17 square miles, Lake Curry plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Lake Curry is currently in fair condition as per its last assessment in 2017. Regular inspections, conducted annually, ensure that the dam meets safety standards and can effectively manage flood risks in the area. The dam's emergency action plan, though last revised in 2015, is designed to guide responses in case of any unforeseen events, providing a framework for emergency preparedness. With its proximity to the San Francisco District and the oversight of the Department of Water Resources, Lake Curry remains a key component of water management infrastructure in California.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate change will find Lake Curry to be a fascinating case study of how local government entities work to balance flood risk reduction and water supply needs. The dam's strategic location, coupled with its historical significance and ongoing maintenance efforts, highlight the importance of effective water resource management in the face of increasing climate challenges. By understanding the intricacies of Lake Curry and similar structures, enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure, environmental conservation, and sustainable water practices.
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 Lake Curry -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Napa R Nr Napa Ca | 4 cfs | → |
| Putah C Nr Winters Ca | 641 cfs | → |
| Nathanson C A Sonoma Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Napa R Nr St Helena Ca | 3 cfs | → |
| Sonoma C A Agua Caliente Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Shag Slough A Liberty Island Nr Courtland Ca | 3,500 cfs | → |
About Lake Curry
Where does the data for Lake Curry 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 below 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.
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.