Almond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Almond is a crucial Earth dam located in Castro Valley, California, constructed in 1954 with a primary purpose of providing water supply.


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Summary

With a height of 30 feet and a hydraulic height of 29.9 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres. The dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for safety and compliance.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017, Almond poses a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not specified in the data, indicating potential areas for improvement in disaster preparedness. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento District of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and is not associated with any federal agency funding or construction.

Almond's location in Alameda County, California, and its critical role in water supply underscore its significance for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and emergency preparedness in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

1040

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Offstream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

29.9

Nid Storage

20

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.