Scotts Flat Spillway Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Scotts Flat Spillway in Nevada City, California, is a concrete gravity dam primarily used for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Managed by a public utility, the dam stands at a height of 55 feet and has a storage capacity of 49,000 acre-feet. The spillway, categorized as uncontrolled, has a maximum discharge of 28,000 cubic feet per second and is located on Deer Creek.

The dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a high hazard potential, the spillway poses risks that are mitigated through emergency action plans and risk assessment measures. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversees the dam's operations, inspections, and regulatory compliance to ensure safety and efficiency in its functioning.

Scotts Flat Spillway serves as a critical water resource infrastructure in the region, providing essential services for fire protection, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and ensuring water supply reliability for the surrounding communities. As a key component of the local water management system, the spillway contributes to the overall resilience of the region in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource challenges.

Dam Length

239

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

Deer Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

725

Nid Storage

49000

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

55
       
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.