Shasta River Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shasta River, located in Siskiyou, California, is a vital water source primarily used for irrigation and water supply purposes.


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Summary

The Shasta River dam, completed in 1928, stands at a height of 96 feet and has a storage capacity of 50,000 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge capacity and a surface area of 1850 acres, this Earth dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by a public utility, the Shasta River dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and falls under the jurisdiction of the state. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, the dam carries a high hazard potential due to its hydraulic height of 73 feet. Regular inspections ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations, with the last inspection conducted in March 2020.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Shasta River presents an interesting case study of water infrastructure in California. The dam's location in Big Springs, along with its historical significance and impact on the local ecosystem, make it a subject of ongoing research and management efforts. As climate change continues to influence water availability and quality, understanding and monitoring structures like the Shasta River dam are crucial for sustainable water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

1247

Dam Height

96

River Or Stream

Shasta River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1850

Hydraulic Height

73

Nid Storage

50000

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

96
       
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.