Sabrina Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sabrina Dam, located in Inyo County, California, is a rockfill dam with a height of 70 feet and a length of 900 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1908, the dam serves primarily for hydroelectric purposes and also offers recreational opportunities. Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspections, and enforcement.

With a storage capacity of 8,376 acre-feet and a drainage area of 17.1 square miles, Sabrina Dam poses a high hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 116 feet. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan has been prepared and updated as recently as December 2020 to ensure the safety and well-being of the surrounding community.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Sabrina Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and hydroelectric power generation in the region. Its historical significance, coupled with its impact on the local ecosystem and recreational activities, makes it a key landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

70

River Or Stream

Middle Fork Bishop Creek

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

184

Drainage Area

17.1

Nid Storage

8376

Structural Height

70

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

70
       
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.