Sawmill Main Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sawmill Main is a rockfill dam located in the beautiful Sawmill Campground area in California.


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Summary

Built in 1910, this dam serves multiple purposes including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply. Managed by a public utility, Sawmill Main is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and the Safety of Dams agency, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a height of 60 feet and a length of 380 feet, Sawmill Main holds a storage capacity of 3030 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 113 acres. The dam stands on rock foundations and features a multi-arch core design. Despite its age, Sawmill Main has a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating, prompting regular inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety protocols.

Sawmill Main stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and continues to play a vital role in water management in the region. Its picturesque location and diverse uses make it a significant landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the intersection of infrastructure, sustainability, and natural beauty in California's landscape.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

Canyon Creek

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

113

Hydraulic Height

45

Drainage Area

18

Nid Storage

3030

Structural Height

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

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.