Searsville Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Searsville Dam, located in Palo Alto, California, was completed in 1890 and serves primarily for water supply purposes, specifically irrigation.


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Summary

This gravity dam stands at a height of 68 feet and has a length of 260 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1,840 acre-feet from the Corte Madera Creek watershed. The dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its age, Searsville Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with a high hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in December 2017, ensuring preparedness in case of any unforeseen events. The dam's inspection frequency is once a year, with the last inspection conducted in January 2021. Its satisfactory condition and regulatory oversight by the DWR provide assurance of its safety and reliability in managing water resources in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Searsville Dam stands as a historic structure in California's San Mateo County, playing a crucial role in water supply and irrigation. Its presence on the Corte Madera Creek watershed highlights the importance of proper dam management and oversight in ensuring water security for surrounding communities. As the dam continues to be monitored and regulated by the DWR, its role in the region's water infrastructure underscores the need for sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1890

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

68

River Or Stream

Corte Madera Cr

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

90

Hydraulic Height

68

Drainage Area

14.8

Nid Storage

1840

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

68
       
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.