Sworinger Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sworinger Reservoir, located in Lassen, California, is a privately owned dam constructed in 1961 by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this Earth-type dam stands at 35 feet in height and spans 1055 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 4050 acre-feet. Situated along the Tr Silver Creek, Sworinger Reservoir plays a crucial role in irrigation and water supply for the surrounding area, making it a vital resource for the community of Bare Ranch.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment and high hazard potential, Sworinger has been regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program. The dam's last inspection was conducted in April 2020, with an inspection frequency set at one year. Even though emergency action preparedness and risk assessment details are currently lacking, Sworinger Reservoir remains a key infrastructure for managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region. Its strategic location and role in flood control highlight its importance for both local water management and environmental sustainability efforts.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1055

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

Tr Silver Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

291

Hydraulic Height

31

Nid Storage

4050

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.