Middle Fork Brush Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Middle Fork Brush Creek, located in Sonoma, California, near Santa Rosa, is a crucial water resource managed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1961, stands at a height of 37 feet with a hydraulic height of 30.2 feet, providing a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet. The dam spans 1100 feet and covers a surface area of 20 acres, serving a drainage area of 2.24 square miles.

With a high hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017, Middle Fork Brush Creek is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources for safety compliance. The dam has a state permit, undergoes regular inspections, and is subject to enforcement measures to ensure its integrity. In the event of an emergency, the dam has emergency action plans in place, with updated contacts and guidelines to mitigate risks and protect downstream communities.

Middle Fork Brush Creek's role in flood risk reduction underscores its importance as a critical infrastructure contributing to water resource management and climate resilience in the region. The dam's design and operation align with state regulations and safety standards, reflecting ongoing efforts to safeguard the surrounding community and environment from potential hazards. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and supporting the maintenance of structures like Middle Fork Brush Creek is essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

Mfk Brush Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

30.2

Drainage Area

2.24

Nid Storage

138

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

37
       
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.