Hooper No. 1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Hopland, Mendocino County, California, along the Tr Mcdowell Creek. The dam, with a height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 15.1 feet, was primarily built for irrigation purposes, providing a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment as of September 2017, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Hooper No. 1 is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The last inspection took place in January 2020, with a frequency of one inspection per year. The dam's condition assessment indicated its fair state, but with its significant hazard potential, it is crucial to have emergency action plans in place to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of downstream communities in case of a potential failure.

With its location in a region prone to climate variability and extreme weather events, the maintenance and monitoring of Hooper No. 1 are critical to safeguard the surrounding area from potential flooding and water resource disruptions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Hooper No. 1 in managing water supply for irrigation purposes underscores the importance of effective dam management practices to ensure both water security and community safety in the face of changing climatic conditions.