Upper Feeley Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Nevada County, California, Upper Feeley is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

Completed in 1870, this historic structure stands at 23 feet in height and has a storage capacity of 739 acre-feet. The dam spans 210 feet in length and is situated on Fall Creek - Tr, with a drainage area of 0.4 square miles.

Maintained and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Upper Feeley has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 32 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 280 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Upper Feeley is not available, and the last inspection was conducted in August 2019.

With its scenic surroundings and historical significance, Upper Feeley serves as a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, providing both hydroelectric power and water storage capabilities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Upper Feeley are crucial to ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water supply in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

Fall Creek - Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

56.3

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

739

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
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.