Marsh Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marsh Creek, also known as Marsh Creek Reservoir, is a local government-owned dam located in Brentwood, California.


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Summary

Constructed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 59 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Marsh Creek river. With a storage capacity of 4,425 acre-feet and a surface area of 335 acres, Marsh Creek plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Contra Costa County.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources and subject to state regulations, Marsh Creek Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition. The dam underwent its last inspection in October 2020, with a recommended inspection frequency of once a year. In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to ensure swift and effective response measures.

Located within the San Francisco District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Marsh Creek Dam is a vital infrastructure ensuring the safety and resilience of the surrounding community in the face of potential flood events. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Marsh Creek an intriguing case study in dam management and the intersection of technology, policy, and environmental stewardship in safeguarding our waterways.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1540

Dam Height

59

River Or Stream

Marsh Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

335

Hydraulic Height

47.3

Drainage Area

52.5

Nid Storage

4425

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

59
       
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.