Big Canyon Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Canyon Creek in El Dorado, California, is a privately owned dam constructed in 1935 primarily for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 63 feet and has a hydraulic height of 58 feet, with a storage capacity of 395 acre-feet. The dam spans 432 feet in length and is situated on Big Canyon Creek, with a drainage area of 5.4 square miles.

Maintained by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for safety inspections and enforcement, Big Canyon Creek Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in September 2017. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the state and has permits for operation and inspections in place. Located in the city of Ione, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks, managing tailings, and providing water supply in the region, highlighting its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Canyon Creek Dam serves as a notable infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area. With its historical significance dating back to the 1930s, the dam continues to play a vital role in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential flooding events. Its regulated status and satisfactory condition underscore the importance of proper maintenance and oversight in ensuring the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

432

Dam Height

63

River Or Stream

Big Canyon Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

58

Drainage Area

5.4

Nid Storage

395

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

63
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.