Dutcher Creek, located in Sonoma, California, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1992 primarily for water supply purposes, serving irrigation and water supply needs in the area. With a height of 43 feet and a length of 790 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 186 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres, drawing water from Tr Borrelli Creek. It is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, ensuring its compliance with state regulations for inspection, permitting, and enforcement.

Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, Dutcher Creek's condition assessment was deemed satisfactory as of September 2017. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in November 2020, and emergency action plans (EAPs) are in place to address any potential risks. While no specific risk assessment or management measures are outlined in the data, the dam's maintenance and safety protocols indicate a commitment to ensuring the community's safety and water resource sustainability.

Overall, Dutcher Creek stands as a crucial infrastructure contributing to water resource management in the region, embodying the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a case study in balancing water supply needs with environmental safety, showcasing the importance of rigorous regulation and maintenance to safeguard both communities and ecosystems in the face of changing climate conditions.