Wine Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wine Lake, located in Napa, California, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1953 with a primary purpose of water supply for irrigation and other uses.


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Summary

The dam stands at 29 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 24.5 feet and a length of 620 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet. The dam is regulated and inspected by the California Department of Water Resources and the Safety of Dams agency, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The high hazard potential of Wine Lake highlights the importance of its satisfactory condition assessment, last conducted in September 2017. Despite its age, the dam remains structurally sound and equipped with emergency action plans, though the last inspection in August 2020 underscores the ongoing vigilance required to manage risks associated with its operation. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a spillway type not specified, the dam plays a crucial role in water management for the region, particularly during periods of high discharge.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wine Lake serves as a vital water source for the Cuttings Wharf community and surrounding areas, supporting agricultural activities and ensuring water supply reliability. With its strategic location on Tr Carneros Creek and proximity to the Sacramento District, the dam's role in water resource management and climate resilience underscores the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to safeguard its operations and mitigate potential risks in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

Tr Carneros Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

24.5

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

310

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

29
       
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.