Petes Valley Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Petes Valley, located in Lassen, California, is home to a significant water management structure known as Petes Creek.


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Summary

This privately owned dam was completed in 1954 and serves primarily for water supply purposes, including irrigation. With a height of 29 feet and a storage capacity of 240 acre-feet, Petes Valley Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources for the surrounding area.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources, Petes Valley Dam has a history of regular inspections and a satisfactory condition assessment, indicating its reliability in water management. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is equipped with necessary safety and regulatory measures to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of downstream communities. As a key component in the water supply infrastructure of Belfast, Petes Valley serves as a vital resource for the region's agricultural and domestic water needs.

With a drainage area of 12.44 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 6,355 cubic feet per second, Petes Valley Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage in the area. The dam's location in the picturesque Petes Valley provides a scenic backdrop to its functional importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Petes Valley represents a harmonious blend of nature's beauty and human ingenuity in sustaining vital water supplies for the community.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

1360

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Petes Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

12.44

Nid Storage

240

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
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.