Rock Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rock Creek is a private hydroelectric dam located in Auburn, California, with a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.


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Summary

Built in 1913, this concrete dam stands at a height of 36 feet and has a drainage area of 2.4 square miles. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, with a storage capacity of 415 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2320 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Rock Creek has state regulation and enforcement in place, ensuring its safety and compliance with standards. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 271 feet, and it is regularly inspected to maintain its structural integrity. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, suggesting the need for further evaluation to assess any potential risks and necessary maintenance measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rock Creek offers a fascinating case study of a historic dam with a significant role in providing hydroelectric power to the region. With its location in Placer County, California, and the oversight of both state and federal agencies, Rock Creek represents a vital piece of infrastructure that requires careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued operation and safety in the face of changing environmental conditions and potential hazards.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

1020

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

Rock Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

55

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

2.4

Nid Storage

415

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

36
       
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.