Ward Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1963, stands at a height of 71 feet and has a hydraulic height of 60.5 feet, with a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. The creek has a drainage area of 1.9 square miles and spans 190 feet in length, serving as a crucial infrastructure for protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

Maintained by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Ward Creek's dam has a high hazard potential but is in satisfactory condition based on the last assessment in September 2017. Regular inspections are conducted, with the most recent one in January 2021, to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the dam. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment details are currently unspecified, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the community.

With Congressman Eric Swalwell representing the area in the US House of Representatives, Ward Creek's dam plays a crucial role in flood risk management for Alameda County. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the maintenance and regulation of infrastructure like Ward Creek's dam are essential for safeguarding communities and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

71

River Or Stream

Ward Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

60.5

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

130

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

71
       
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.