Pine Creek Detention Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pine Creek Detention, located in Walnut Creek, California, is a gravity dam constructed in 1981 with a height of 30 feet and a hydraulic height of 23.7 feet.


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Summary

The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Pine Creek, providing a storage capacity of 320 acre-feet. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2017, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, emphasizing the critical role it plays in mitigating potential flooding risks in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Safety of Dams division, Pine Creek Detention is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in flood control. The dam's last inspection in October 2020 confirmed its satisfactory condition, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain its structural integrity and operational readiness. With a designated emergency action plan and hazard mitigation measures in place, Pine Creek Detention stands as a crucial infrastructure asset in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flood events.

In the event of a breach or emergency situation, local authorities, emergency contacts, and risk management measures are in place to address and mitigate potential impacts. With a strong focus on safety and compliance, Pine Creek Detention serves as a vital component in the overall water resource management strategy for Contra Costa County, California. As climate change continues to pose challenges in water resource management, maintaining and enhancing the resilience of infrastructure like Pine Creek Detention is essential in protecting communities and ecosystems from the increasing risks of extreme weather events and flooding.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

232

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Pine Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

23.7

Nid Storage

320

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.