Scott Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Scott Lake, also known as Lake Pillsbury, is a privately owned hydroelectric reservoir located in Dos Rios, California.


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Summary

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this concrete gravity dam stands at 138 feet tall and was completed in 1921. With a storage capacity of 80,600 acre-feet and a surface area of 2,280 acres, Scott Lake serves as a critical water resource in the region, drawing from the Eel River with a maximum discharge of 135,000 cubic feet per second.

The dam's spillway is controlled and 402 feet wide, while the outlet gates include slide and tainter gates. Despite its high hazard potential, Scott Lake has not undergone a recent condition assessment. Emergency action plans are in place, but the risk assessment remains very high. The dam's location within a high-risk area emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of downstream communities. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Scott Lake a fascinating case study of a historic dam with significant implications for water management and safety regulations.

Year Completed

1921

Dam Length

805

Dam Height

134

River Or Stream

Eel River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

2280

Hydraulic Height

130

Drainage Area

289

Nid Storage

80600

Structural Height

138

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 26, Tainter (radial) - 5

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

138
       
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.