Salt Springs Valley in Calaveras County, California, is home to a significant earth dam completed in 1882 for flood risk reduction along Rock Creek. With a height of 47 feet and a storage capacity of 10,900 acre-feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including irrigation, tailings management, and water supply. The dam's condition is assessed as fair, with a significant hazard potential, requiring regular inspections and enforcement by the California Department of Water Resources.

Located in the city of Milton, Salt Springs Valley Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a drainage area of 20.03 square miles and a surface area of 920 acres. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet state regulatory requirements for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's primary owner, a public utility, ensures that it remains in operational condition to mitigate flood risks and support the local agricultural community.

With a spillway width and other structural details not specified in the data, the dam's design and construction reflect the engineering practices of the late 19th century. As climate change impacts water resources in California, Salt Springs Valley Dam stands as a historical landmark and a critical infrastructure for flood protection and water management in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience can appreciate the unique role that this earth dam plays in sustaining the ecological balance and agricultural livelihoods in the Salt Springs Valley area.