San Felipe Ranch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

San Felipe Ranch, located in San Jose, California, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1959 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 49 feet and has a hydraulic height of 43 feet, with a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. Situated on the Tr San Felipe Creek, the dam covers a surface area of 4 acres and serves for irrigation and water supply in the region.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and regulated by the Safety of Dams agency, San Felipe Ranch dam has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2017. The dam has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in December 2020, and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. Despite its modest size and capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in providing a reliable water source for agricultural and domestic use in the area.

With its strategic location and vital function in water supply, San Felipe Ranch serves as a key infrastructure for ensuring water security in Santa Clara County. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the role this dam plays in supporting local irrigation needs and maintaining a sustainable water supply in the region, highlighting the importance of effective dam management and regulatory oversight in adapting to changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

410

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

Tr San Felipe Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

49
       
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.