Clarke Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Alturas, California, the Clarke dam serves as a crucial water supply source for irrigation and general water needs in the region.


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Summary

Constructed in 1939, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Situated on the Tr Nfk Pit Rv river, the dam covers a surface area of 12 acres and drains a small 0.05 square mile watershed.

Managed by a private owner, the Clarke dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and falls under the Safety of Dams jurisdiction. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam has been assessed as having a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition as of September 2017. The dam's last inspection was conducted in June 2020, with a frequency of one inspection per year to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Overall, the Clarke dam plays a vital role in supporting the local water supply needs in Modoc County, California. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. As enthusiasts in water resources and climate, understanding the infrastructure and maintenance of dams like Clarke is essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the future.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

810

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Tr Nfk Pit Rv

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

70

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.