Roberts Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lookout Hines Brothers
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Roberts, also known as Lower Roberts Reservoir, is a privately owned dam located in Lookout, California.
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Summary
Built in 1905, this earth-type dam stands at 17 feet tall and spans 700 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 5500 acre-feet and a surface area of 640 acres, Roberts primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction, irrigation, and water supply for the surrounding area along the Pit River.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Roberts has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition according to a 2017 assessment. The dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, ensuring regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity and safety standards. The dam has a drainage area of 23.2 square miles and is situated in Modoc County, providing crucial water resource management for the region.
With its strategic location and vital role in water management, Roberts dam plays a significant part in mitigating flood risks and providing essential water resources to the community. As a key infrastructure asset in the area, it is closely monitored and maintained to uphold safety standards and ensure the continued protection of the surrounding environment and residents. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Roberts represents a fascinating example of the intersection between human engineering and natural resource management in California.
Year Completed |
1905 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
Tr Pit River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
640 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
23.2 |
Nid Storage |
5500 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pit R Nr Canby Ca
|
56cfs |
Pit R Bl Pit No 1 Ph Nr Fall River Mills Ca
|
1200cfs |
Burney C A Burney Falls Nr Burney Ca
|
168cfs |
Sf Pit R Nr Likely Ca
|
9cfs |
Hat C Nr Hat Creek Ca
|
141cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Roberts