Scotts Flat Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Scotts Flat, located in Nevada City, California, is a public utility water resource managed by Ebasco Services, Inc.


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Summary

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.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

960

Dam Height

175

River Or Stream

Deer Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

725

Hydraulic Height

165

Drainage Area

20

Nid Storage

49000

Structural Height

175

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

175
       
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.