Bell Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bell Canyon, located in Napa, California, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for water supply purposes.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1959 and standing at 95 feet tall with a storage capacity of 2530 acre-feet, harnesses water from Bell Creek to serve the community of St Helena. The reservoir covers an area of 76 acres and has a drainage area of 5.53 square miles, providing a critical source of water for the region.

Despite its age, Bell Canyon Dam is in satisfactory condition and regularly inspected by the California Department of Water Resources for safety and regulatory compliance. With a high hazard potential due to its location and size, the dam has established emergency action plans and contacts to ensure preparedness in case of any unforeseen events. The dam's spillway type, width, and other details are not specified in the data, but its importance as a water supply infrastructure underscores the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of the reservoir for the surrounding community. Bell Canyon serves as a testament to the enduring importance of water resource management and infrastructure in the face of climate challenges.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

95

River Or Stream

Bell Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

76

Hydraulic Height

87

Drainage Area

5.53

Nid Storage

2530

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

95
       
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.