Rains Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Lassen, California, Rains Creek is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1960 with a primary purpose of water supply for irrigation and other uses.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 17.1 square miles and a surface area of 40 acres, Rains Creek plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and supply in the region.

The dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in September 2017. Regular inspections are conducted, with the most recent one carried out in June 2020. While the dam does not have a spillway, its hydraulic height of 10 feet ensures effective water management. With its strategic location on Fraser Creek, Rains Creek is a vital component of the water infrastructure in the area, offering a reliable source of water for agricultural and other purposes.

In the realm of water resource and climate management, Rains Creek serves as a crucial asset in ensuring water supply sustainability in California. With its regulated state jurisdiction, the dam provides valuable insights into dam safety and enforcement practices. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of structures like Rains Creek becomes increasingly vital in mitigating risks and ensuring a reliable water supply for the region's needs.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1840

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Fraser Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

17.1

Nid Storage

126

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.