Gardella Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gardella, located in Tuolumne, California, is a state-regulated Earth-type dam completed in 2009 with a primary purpose of water supply for irrigation and other uses.


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Summary

With a height of 69 feet and a storage capacity of 370 acre-feet, Gardella plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam is situated on a tributary to Woods Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for safety and regulatory oversight.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Gardella maintains a satisfactory condition as assessed in September 2017, ensuring its reliability in water storage and management. The dam's last inspection in January 2021 confirmed its structural integrity and operational efficiency, highlighting its importance in supporting water supply infrastructure in the area. With its strategic location and capacity to store water, Gardella contributes significantly to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in California.

As a vital component in the water supply system of the region, Gardella serves as a critical infrastructure for water storage and distribution. With its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, the dam stands as a reliable asset for mitigating water scarcity and supporting agricultural and domestic water needs. As climate change continues to impact water resources, Gardella's role in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions becomes increasingly important for sustainable water management in California.

Year Completed

2009

Dam Length

980

Dam Height

69

River Or Stream

Tributary To Woods Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.4

Hydraulic Height

63

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

370

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

69
       
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.