Russian River No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Russian River No.


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Summary

1, located in Monte Rio, Sonoma County, California, is a captivating water resource infrastructure that has been serving the area since its completion in 1963. This buttress dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 315 acre-feet, providing water supply for the region. Managed by a public utility, this dam is regulated and inspected by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for safety and compliance.

The Russian River No. 1 dam not only serves the primary purpose of water supply but also supports recreational activities in the area. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, this structure plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the Russian River. The dam's location along the river makes it a key asset for water management and flood control, contributing to the overall resilience of the region's water resources.

With its impressive history of service and contribution to the community, Russian River No. 1 is a vital piece of infrastructure in the San Francisco District's water management system. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of structures like this dam in ensuring water supply reliability and ecosystem health becomes increasingly evident. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Russian River No. 1 dam is a fascinating example of how infrastructure plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Russian River

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

43

Hydraulic Height

8.4

Nid Storage

315

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.