Cherry Flat Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cherry Flat, also known as Cherry Flat Reservoir, is a local government-owned water supply structure located in San Jose, California.


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Summary

Built in 1936, this earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet and has a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet. Situated along the Penitencia Creek, the reservoir covers a surface area of 25 acres and serves multiple purposes, including water supply and recreation.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Cherry Flat is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. Despite being classified as a high hazard potential structure, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in September 2017. With a primary purpose of providing water supply, Cherry Flat ensures the region has a reliable source of water while also offering recreational opportunities for the community.

With its close proximity to San Jose and its importance in water management for the area, Cherry Flat Reservoir plays a crucial role in ensuring water security and resource management in Santa Clara County. Encompassing the beauty of the surrounding landscape and contributing to the local ecosystem, Cherry Flat stands as a testament to the vital intersection between water resources, infrastructure, and climate resilience in California.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

Penitencia Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

52

Drainage Area

2.41

Nid Storage

500

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

60
       
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.