Strawberry Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Strawberry is a privately-owned dam located in the city of Strawberry, California, along the South Fork Stanislaus River.


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Summary

This rockfill dam, completed in 1916, stands at a height of 143 feet and has a length of 720 feet. It serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation and has a storage capacity of 19,000 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 18,300 acre-feet.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Strawberry dam has a high hazard potential and is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources for safety. The dam's spillway, with a width of 108 feet, is uncontrolled, and its maximum discharge capacity is 13,000 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 3.

With its historical significance and vital role in providing hydroelectric power, Strawberry dam stands as a testament to California's water resource management efforts. Its presence along the South Fork Stanislaus River not only contributes to the region's water supply but also highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both safety and environmental sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

143

River Or Stream

South Fork Stanislaus River

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

299

Drainage Area

26.9

Nid Storage

19000

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

143
       
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.