Harvey Place Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harvey Place is a vital water resource infrastructure located in Paynesville, California, along the Indian Creek.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam was completed in 1989 and stands at a height of 72 feet, with a hydraulic height of 65 feet. It serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, irrigation, and water supply, with a storage capacity of 3,700 acre-feet and a surface area of 163 acres.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Harvey Place is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safe operation. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 deemed it satisfactory, with regular inspections and an emergency action plan in place. The primary purpose of the dam is to provide water supply to the surrounding area and contribute to the overall water management efforts in Alpine County.

With its strategic location and important role in water resource management, Harvey Place serves as a crucial asset in maintaining water security and mitigating flood risks in the region. Its design and construction reflect the commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of the dam for the benefit of the community it serves. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of infrastructure like Harvey Place is essential in appreciating the efforts made to sustainably manage water resources in California.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

725

Dam Height

72

River Or Stream

Indian Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

163

Hydraulic Height

65

Nid Storage

3700

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

72
       
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.