York Hill Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

York Hill is a privately owned dam located in Rumsey, California, along the Tr Bear Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1952, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and has a storage capacity of 245 acre-feet, primarily serving irrigation and water supply purposes. The dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a significant hazard potential, York Hill Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of September 2017. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are currently unspecified, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness. The San Francisco District of the US Army Corps of Engineers is not involved in the ownership, funding, or operations of the dam, emphasizing the private nature of its management.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find York Hill Dam to be a crucial piece of infrastructure in Colusa County, playing a vital role in water supply and irrigation for the local community. Its location, design, and regulatory oversight provide a fascinating case study in dam management and the intersection of human and natural systems in maintaining water resources. The ongoing monitoring and maintenance of York Hill Dam are essential in ensuring its continued safety and effectiveness in serving its intended purposes.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

Tr Bear Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

0.49

Nid Storage

245

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

38
       
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.