Sierra Vista Reservoir Report
Nearby: Berenda Slough Mariposa Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sierra Vista is a privately owned dam located in Merced County, California, specifically in the city of Chowchilla.
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Summary
Built in 1872, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a hydraulic height of 8.5 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with associated purposes including irrigation and water supply. The dam has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 31 acres along the Chowchilla River.
Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Sierra Vista is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. Its hazard potential is classified as low, and its condition assessment as of September 2017 was deemed satisfactory. The dam has not undergone any modifications or upgrades in recent years, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. Despite its age, Sierra Vista continues to serve its intended flood control purposes effectively while contributing to the local irrigation and water supply needs in the region.
Sierra Vista's presence underscores the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in California. As a key infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the Chowchilla area, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities and supporting agricultural activities. By adhering to state regulatory standards and conducting regular inspections, Sierra Vista exemplifies a commitment to maintaining the safety and functionality of essential water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1872 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Chowchilla Rv |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
31 |
Hydraulic Height |
8.5 |
Nid Storage |
90 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sierra Vista
Owens Creek Dam
Mariposa Creek Dam