Kuhn Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kuhn is a privately owned dam located in San Jose, California, along the Tr Dry Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1947, this earth dam stands at a height of 67 feet and has a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is for water supply, serving both irrigation and domestic needs in the area. The dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a hazard potential rated as high, Kuhn is subject to regular inspections to assess its condition and ensure it meets safety standards. The most recent inspection in December 2020 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition. Although there are no spillways or outlet gates specified, the dam's structure and design are overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. In the event of an emergency, it is crucial that an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place to mitigate risks and protect surrounding communities from potential inundation.

As a vital water resource in Santa Clara County, Kuhn plays a crucial role in water management and supply for the region. Climate change and variability in precipitation patterns highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Kuhn to safeguard against potential risks and ensure reliable water distribution for agricultural and urban use. Enthusiasts in water resources and climate will find Kuhn's data and regulatory oversight to be an intriguing case study in dam management and the intersection of water supply with environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

312

Dam Height

67

River Or Stream

Tr Dry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

63

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

85

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

67
       
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.