Blakely Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Blakely is a privately owned earth dam located in El Dorado, California, near the city of Five Mile Terrace.


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Summary

Completed in 1875, the dam serves as a vital water supply structure, standing at a height of 19 meters and boasting a storage capacity of 152 acre-feet. Situated on the Tr Sfk American River, the dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in July 2018.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Blakely is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a drainage area of 0.13 square kilometers and a surface area of 15 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in securing water resources for the region. Despite its age, Blakely continues to fulfill its primary purpose of supplying freshwater, highlighting the enduring importance of maintaining and monitoring our vital infrastructure in the face of changing climates and water resource challenges.

Although lacking specific spillway information, Blakely has been designed to withstand hydraulic pressures up to 13 meters, ensuring the safety and reliability of the structure. With a long history of service and ongoing regulatory oversight, Blakely exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and dam safety in California. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the significance of infrastructure like Blakely in securing our water supply and adaptability to a changing environment.

Year Completed

1875

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Tr Sfk American R

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

152

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.