Virginia Ranch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Virginia Ranch is a public utility-owned dam in California, specifically located in Yuba County near Browns Valley.


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Summary

This earth dam was completed in 1963 and stands at a height of 152 feet, with a storage capacity of 57,000 acre-feet for irrigation purposes. The dam spans a length of 2,800 feet and has a spillway width of 42 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 56,700 cubic feet per second.

This dam on French Dry Creek is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a high hazard potential, the dam poses moderate risk (rated 3 out of 5) and has an emergency action plan in place. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available, indicating a need for further evaluation to determine its structural integrity and maintenance requirements.

Virginia Ranch serves a vital role in the local water resource infrastructure, providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities in the surrounding area. As a key component of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's oversight, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and safety for the community, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

2800

Dam Height

152

River Or Stream

French Dry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

975

Hydraulic Height

138

Drainage Area

72.3

Nid Storage

57000

Structural Height

172

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

172
       
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.