Austrian Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Austrian, also known as Elsman Lake, is a public utility water supply dam located in Los Gatos, California.


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Summary

Completed in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 185 feet and has a hydraulic height of 170 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 6200 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of providing water supply to the surrounding area.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and regulated by the Safety of Dams, Austrian is situated on the Los Gatos Creek within the Sacramento District. The dam has a high hazard potential but has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of September 2017. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in September 2020, to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

With a drainage area of 9.8 square miles and a surface area of 96 acres, Austrian plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Santa Clara County. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the proper maintenance and regulation of dams like Austrian are essential for ensuring a reliable water supply for the community.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

185

River Or Stream

Los Gatos Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

96

Hydraulic Height

170

Drainage Area

9.8

Nid Storage

6200

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

185
       
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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.