Mokelumne Hill Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Mokelumne Hill is a vital water resource located in Calaveras, California, specifically in the city of Scottsville.


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Summary

This public utility dam on the Trinity Mokelumne River is primarily used for flood risk reduction, irrigation, and water supply purposes, with a dam height of 52 feet and a hydraulic height of 48 feet. Completed in 1973, this earth-type dam has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres, serving as a crucial water source for the surrounding area.

Maintained by the California Department of Water Resources and regulated for safety by the Safety of Dams division, Mokelumne Hill has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of September 2017. Despite its modest size and storage capacity, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region, ensuring a reliable water supply for agricultural irrigation and other needs. With regular inspections and enforcement of safety regulations, Mokelumne Hill serves as a crucial infrastructure for water management in the area.

Located in the San Francisco District, Mokelumne Hill's dam and reservoir are essential components of the water supply infrastructure in Calaveras County. With its strategic placement on the Trinity Mokelumne River and its role in flood risk reduction, this dam underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change challenges. As a key player in the region's water supply network, Mokelumne Hill exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and infrastructure safety in California's diverse and dynamic landscape.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

Tr Mokelumne Rv

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

0.01

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

52
       
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.