Danhauser Reservoir Report
Nearby: Payne Upper Pasture
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Danhauser, also known as Danhauser Reservoir, is a private water supply structure located in Alturas, California, along the Tr Sfk Pit River.
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Summary
Built in 1890, this Earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 1258 acre-feet. With a surface area of 208 acres and serving primarily for irrigation and water supply purposes, Danhauser plays a crucial role in supporting the local community's water needs.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Danhauser is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program. The dam has a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in its condition as of September 2017. Despite its age, Danhauser continues to provide essential water resources to the region, demonstrating the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure for water supply in the face of changing climate conditions.
With its historical significance dating back over a century, Danhauser highlights the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and infrastructure maintenance. As water enthusiasts and climate advocates, understanding the role and condition of structures like Danhauser is essential in ensuring the sustainable and safe utilization of water resources for current and future generations in California.
Year Completed |
1890 |
Dam Length |
3200 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
Tr Sfk Pit River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
208 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
1.5 |
Nid Storage |
1258 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sf Pit R Nr Likely Ca
|
7cfs |
Pit R Nr Canby Ca
|
56cfs |
Pit R Bl Pit No 1 Ph Nr Fall River Mills Ca
|
1470cfs |
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.
Danhauser