Rye Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Tehama County, California, the Rye dam stands as a crucial water supply structure that serves the Newville community by harnessing the waters of Kendrick Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1959, this earth dam boasts a height of 37 feet and a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet, supporting irrigation and general water supply needs in the area. Managed by a private owner, the dam is subject to state regulation and inspection, ensuring its structural integrity and adherence to safety standards.

With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017, the Rye dam plays a vital role in water resource management within the region. Its location at a latitude of 39.8369 and longitude of -122.5259 underscores its strategic positioning for water collection and distribution, contributing to the overall water infrastructure in California. The dam's primary purpose and design as an earth structure highlight its functionality in storing and managing water resources for agricultural and community use.

As a key element in the water supply network, the Rye dam warrants continued monitoring and maintenance to uphold its operational efficiency and safety. With state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight, efforts are in place to ensure the dam's integrity and adherence to standards. As climate change impacts water resources, structures like Rye play a crucial role in sustaining water availability for agricultural, domestic, and environmental needs in the face of evolving climate patterns and water demands.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

Kendrick Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

0.55

Nid Storage

83

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

37
       
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.