Kinney Meadows Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kinney Meadows, also known as Kinney Reservoir, is a privately owned water resource located in Markleeville, California.


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Summary

Built in 1929, this earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet, with a storage capacity of 900 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Kinney Meadows is to supply water for irrigation and general water supply needs in the area.

Situated on the Tr Silver Creek, Kinney Meadows covers a surface area of 33 acres and has a drainage area of 0.36 square miles. Despite its age, the dam is deemed to have a low hazard potential and is in a satisfactory condition according to a 2017 assessment. The dam is under state regulation, with inspection, enforcement, and permitting managed by the California Department of Water Resources.

Overall, Kinney Meadows serves as a vital component of water resource management in Alpine County, providing essential water supply for agricultural and domestic use. With its strategic location and historical significance, Kinney Meadows stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

335

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

Tr Silver Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Hydraulic Height

39

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

900

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

44
       
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.