Heitz Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Heitz is a privately-owned dam located in Napa, California, specifically in the city of Aetna Springs.


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Summary

Built in 1991, this earth dam stands at a height of 87 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, irrigation, and water supply. With a storage capacity of 272 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles, Heitz plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Heitz is regularly inspected and regulated to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment is deemed satisfactory as of the last inspection in March 2021. The dam has a spillway width, spillway type, and outlet gates information are unknown. Despite this, the risk management measures, emergency action plan status, and inundation maps are not specified.

Heitz's location on Tr Pope Creek and its proximity to the San Francisco District highlight its importance in flood risk reduction efforts in the region. As a key infrastructure for water management, understanding the dam's design, purpose, and regulatory oversight is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

87

River Or Stream

Tr Pope Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

80.8

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

272

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

87
       
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.