Bear Gulch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bear Gulch in Menlo Park, California, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1896 primarily for water supply purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 61 feet and a storage capacity of 725.45 acre-feet, the dam is located on the Tr San Fran Bay stream, serving as a vital resource for the local community. Despite its historical significance, recent assessments have deemed its condition as poor, with a high hazard potential, prompting the need for regular inspections and enforcement to ensure public safety.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), Bear Gulch is subject to state regulations, inspections, and permitting. The dam's proximity to San Mateo County and its strategic location within the Sacramento District reinforces its importance in the region's water infrastructure. While the dam's structural integrity is a concern, its historical value and critical role in water supply underscore the need for continued maintenance and potential risk management measures to safeguard this essential resource.

As climate change poses challenges to water resources, Bear Gulch stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention and nature's forces. With the potential for increased extreme weather events and rising sea levels, the resilience and adaptability of structures like Bear Gulch become crucial in ensuring water security for future generations. By prioritizing maintenance, monitoring, and risk assessment, Bear Gulch can continue to serve as a vital water source while adapting to the evolving climate landscape.

Year Completed

1896

Dam Length

730

Dam Height

61

River Or Stream

Tr San Fran Bay

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

55.87

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

725.45

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

61
       
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.