Sawmill Spillway Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sawmill Spillway, located in the beautiful Sawmill Campground in California, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by Ebasco Services, Inc.


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Summary

The spillway serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply, reflecting its significance in the region. Built in 1910, the spillway has a buttress dam type with a height of 9 feet and a length of 270 feet, providing a storage capacity of 3030 acre-feet.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Sawmill Spillway plays a vital role in regulating water flow and ensuring the safety of Canyon Creek. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the spillway is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 228 feet. While its condition assessment is currently unavailable, the spillway's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2020, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain its safety and functionality for the surrounding communities.

In the midst of concerns over water resource management and climate change, Sawmill Spillway stands as a crucial asset in California's infrastructure network. With its multiple functions and regulated oversight, the spillway continues to play a key role in water management, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation in the region. As efforts to address climate-related challenges intensify, the importance of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure like Sawmill Spillway becomes increasingly apparent in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Canyon Creek

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

113

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

18

Nid Storage

3030

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

9
       
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.