J. V. De Laveaga Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

V. De Laveaga is a privately owned dam located in Paicines, California, along the Tr Quien Sabe Creek. Completed in 1940, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a hydraulic height of 24.5 feet. With a storage capacity of 514 acre-feet and serving primarily for water supply purposes, J. V. De Laveaga plays a crucial role in irrigation and water management in the region.

Despite being under private ownership, the dam is regulated by the State of California through the Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure the structural integrity of the dam, with the most recent assessment in September 2017 deeming its condition as satisfactory. With a low hazard potential, J. V. De Laveaga serves as a reliable water resource infrastructure for the surrounding community.

Located in San Benito County, J. V. De Laveaga stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in California. With its historical significance dating back to the 1940s, this dam continues to fulfill its role in providing water for irrigation and other essential purposes. As climate change impacts water availability, the maintenance and regulation of structures like J. V. De Laveaga become increasingly vital in ensuring water security for both agricultural and urban use in the region.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

1050

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Tr Quien Sabe Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Hydraulic Height

24.5

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

514

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.