Lema Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lema, a private water supply dam located in Redding, California, was completed in 1957 and stands at a height of 31 feet with a hydraulic height of 27 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The primary purpose of Lema Dam is to provide water for irrigation and other water supply needs in the area. It is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres, Lema Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, the dam is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of September 2017. The last inspection conducted in July 2020 indicated that the dam continues to meet safety standards, further highlighting its importance in water management and infrastructure.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lema Dam on Tr Churn Creek serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in Shasta County. Its strategic location and design enable it to efficiently store and supply water for agricultural and domestic use, contributing to the overall water security of the area. As climate change impacts water availability, structures like Lema Dam play a critical role in ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

516

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

Tr Churn Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

108

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

31
       
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.