Independence Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Independence is a vital water supply infrastructure located in Truckee, California.


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Summary

This public utility structure, completed in 1939, serves the primary purpose of providing water supply to the region. The dam, standing at a height of 31 feet with a hydraulic height of 27.5 feet, has a NID storage capacity of 18,500 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 725 acres. The dam's reservoir, Independence Creek, has a drainage area of 7.5 square miles and is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources for safety and inspection.

Independence Dam poses a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of September 2017. This earth-type dam has a length of 847 feet and is situated in Sierra County, California. The dam is under state jurisdiction and is subject to regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the California regulatory agencies. Located in the watershed managed by the San Francisco District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Independence plays a crucial role in water resource management for the surrounding area.

Overall, Independence Dam stands as a significant infrastructure for water resource management in California, providing essential water supply to the region. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1930s, this dam continues to be a key element in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns. As a regulated structure under state jurisdiction, Independence Dam reflects the ongoing efforts to maintain and monitor critical water infrastructure to meet the needs of the community and adapt to potential environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

847

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

Independence Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

725

Hydraulic Height

27.5

Drainage Area

7.5

Nid Storage

18500

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
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.