Dry Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dry Creek, located in Brentwood, California, is a crucial water resource managed by local government authorities.


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Summary

The dam, constructed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, stands at 30 feet high and serves primarily for flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 330 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 47.1 acres, Dry Creek plays a vital role in safeguarding the community against potential hazards.

The dam is regulated by the Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the condition assessment conducted in September 2017 deemed it to be satisfactory. With its strategic location in Contra Costa County, Dry Creek not only provides flood protection but also serves as a critical component of the local water infrastructure, highlighting its importance in the region.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dry Creek represents a significant investment in water resource management in California. It stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local and federal agencies to address the challenges posed by climate change and ensure the safety and security of communities in the face of increasing hydrological risks. As a key structure in the region, Dry Creek exemplifies effective dam management practices and serves as a model for sustainable water resource development in the state.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Dry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47.1

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

2.7

Nid Storage

330

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.