Emery Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Emery is a privately owned dam located in Calaveras, California, along McKinneys Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1850, this Earth dam stands at a height of 53 feet and has a storage capacity of 630 acre-feet, primarily serving the purpose of water supply. The dam's low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment make it a reliable infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Emery is subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a drainage area of 0.62 square miles and a surface area of 30 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water management within its vicinity, reflecting the historical significance of water infrastructure development in California.

Despite its age, Emery continues to fulfill its intended function effectively, contributing to the sustainable utilization of water resources in the area. As a key component of the local water supply system, the dam underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to address the challenges posed by climate change and the increasing demand for water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

505

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

Mckinneys Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

47

Drainage Area

0.62

Nid Storage

630

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

53
       
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.