Piner Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Piner Creek, located in Santa Rosa, California, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, providing a storage capacity of 172 acre-feet. The dam spans 205 feet in length and covers a drainage area of 2.05 square miles, serving as a crucial structure to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding.

With a high hazard potential, Piner Creek Dam has been deemed in satisfactory condition as of September 2017, following regular inspections by the California Department of Water Resources. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures remain unspecified, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness. Situated on Paulin Creek, this structure plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community against potential inundation, underscoring the importance of maintaining its operational integrity for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

205

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Paulin Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

2.05

Nid Storage

172

Hazard Potential

High

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.