Righetti Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Righetti, a privately-owned dam located in Edna, California, along the W Corral De Piedra River, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction while also contributing to water supply management.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 83 feet with a hydraulic height of 76.5 feet, offering a storage capacity of 735 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 4.25 square miles and a surface area of 29 acres, Righetti plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region while supporting water resource sustainability.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources and regulated by the Safety of Dams program, Righetti is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain undisclosed. Despite its age, Righetti continues to play a vital role in flood protection and water supply management, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

As climate change impacts intensify, the significance of structures like Righetti in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks cannot be overstated. With its strategic location in San Luis Obispo County, California, and under the jurisdiction of state regulatory agencies, Righetti stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance water management needs with environmental and public safety considerations. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, understanding the role and management of dams like Righetti is key to promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding communities against the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

83

River Or Stream

W Corral De Piedra

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Hydraulic Height

76.5

Drainage Area

4.25

Nid Storage

735

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

83
       
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.