Little Juniper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Juniper, also known as Little Juniper Reservoir, is a privately owned dam located in Modoc County, California.


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Summary

Built in 1926, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 22 feet and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along L Juniper Creek. With a storage capacity of 1370 acre-feet and a surface area of 160 acres, the dam plays a significant role in irrigation and water supply in the region.

Managed and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Safety of Dams, Little Juniper Dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential. However, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was reported as satisfactory, ensuring its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and providing essential water resources to the surrounding community. The dam undergoes regular inspections, with the last one taking place in October 2020, to ensure its structural integrity and safety measures are up to standard.

In the event of emergencies, it remains unclear if an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been prepared for Little Juniper Dam. Nevertheless, with its strategic location and vital role in flood risk reduction and water supply, the dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources and climate challenges in the region, underlining its importance for both environmental enthusiasts and local communities reliant on its services.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

1530

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

L Juniper Crk

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

160

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

9

Nid Storage

1370

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.