Pine Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Contra Costa, California, Pine Creek is a vital local government-owned water resource designed by USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks.


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Summary

Completed in 1956, this earth-type dam stands at 87 feet high with a storage capacity of 225 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 4.36 square miles. With a hydraulic height of 76.5 feet, this structure plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction for the city of Walnut Creek.

Maintained by the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams, Pine Creek Dam has a high hazard potential and undergoes regular inspections, with its condition assessed as satisfactory. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in September 2020, ensuring that proper risk management measures are in place to protect the surrounding community. Mark DeSaulnier (D) is the representative for this area, overseeing the safety and regulation of Pine Creek Dam to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood prevention.

With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Pine Creek Dam stands as a critical infrastructure asset in the region's water resource management efforts. Enforcing state jurisdiction and regulatory standards, this dam serves as a safeguard against potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and emergency preparedness to uphold its operational integrity for the community's safety and well-being.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

87

River Or Stream

Pine Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

76.5

Drainage Area

4.36

Nid Storage

225

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

87
       
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.