Leonard Johnson Reservoir Report

Nearby: Shedd Capik

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Leonard Johnson is a privately owned dam located in Alturas, California, along Dry Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1948, this earth dam stands at 18 feet in height and spans 720 feet in length, providing essential water supply for irrigation purposes. Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet, Leonard Johnson serves as a crucial water source for the surrounding area, supporting agricultural activities and local water supply needs. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of September 2017. Regular inspections, the most recent one conducted in June 2020, help to monitor the dam's integrity and ensure that it meets safety standards for continued operation.

As a significant infrastructure for water management, Leonard Johnson plays a vital role in the water resource system of Modoc County, California. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water supply in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience can appreciate the careful regulation and maintenance efforts put into ensuring the functionality and safety of Leonard Johnson for the benefit of the local community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Dry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1125

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

120

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.