Scotts Flat, located in Nevada City, California, is a public utility water resource managed by Ebasco Services, Inc. The dam, completed in 1948, stands at a height of 175 feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, hydroelectric, and irrigation. The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 49,000 acre-feet, with a surface area of 725 acres and a drainage area of 20 square miles. The dam is primarily of earth type construction with a stone core and rock foundation.

The dam is regulated and inspected by the California Department of Water Resources and the Safety of Dams authority. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and is located along Deer Creek. The hazard potential is considered high, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in December 2020. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam is regularly inspected for safety and compliance.

Scotts Flat provides essential water resources for the surrounding area, contributing to fire protection, agricultural irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. The dam's location and design make it a key asset in managing water supply and mitigating flood risks in the region. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience will find Scotts Flat an intriguing example of infrastructure that plays a vital role in sustaining both ecosystems and human communities in California.