Chesbro Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chesbro Dam, located in Rancho Murieta, California, is a vital water resource infrastructure owned by a Public Utility.


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Summary

Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at 79 feet high with a hydraulic height of 75.9 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1250 acre-feet on the Tr Cosumnes River. With a surface area of 46 acres and a drainage area of 0.14 square miles, Chesbro Dam serves primarily for water supply purposes.

Maintained under the regulatory oversight of the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), Safety of Dams division, Chesbro Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in a satisfactory condition as per the last assessment in September 2017. The dam undergoes regular inspections, with the most recent conducted in February 2021, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. While there are no associated structures with the dam, its critical role in water supply management for the region underscores the importance of its continued maintenance and monitoring.

With its strategic location and crucial function in water supply management, Chesbro Dam stands as a key component of the water infrastructure in Sacramento County, California. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the efficient operation and maintenance of dams like Chesbro are essential for ensuring reliable water supply for the community. The collaboration between state regulatory agencies and dam owners remains crucial in enhancing the resilience of such infrastructure in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

79

River Or Stream

Tr Cosumnes Rv

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46

Hydraulic Height

75.9

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

1250

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

79
       
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.