Shaffer Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shaffer dam, located in El Dorado County, California, is a significant water resource structure completed in 1968 for water supply purposes on Indian Creek.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam stands at 33 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 25.2 feet and a length of 370 feet, providing a storage capacity of 111 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 11 acres. Despite its age, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential that requires regular inspections and enforcement by state regulatory agencies.

The dam's primary purpose extends to irrigation and recreation in addition to water supply, serving the community of Folsom and surrounding areas. With a drainage area of 1.68 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam is subject to state regulation and inspection, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with safety standards. In the event of an emergency, the dam has designated emergency contacts, although further details on emergency action plans and risk assessment measures are currently unavailable.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shaffer dam represents a vital infrastructure supporting the water needs of the local community while also offering recreational opportunities. The dam's presence on Indian Creek highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices and the role of regulatory agencies in ensuring the safety and integrity of such structures. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Shaffer become increasingly critical to safeguarding against potential hazards and ensuring long-term water security for the region.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

Indian Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

25.2

Drainage Area

1.68

Nid Storage

111

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

33
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds