New Calaveras Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

New Calaveras, also known as Calaveras Reservoir, is a crucial water resource infrastructure located in Sunol, California.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this dam on Calaveras Creek serves as a primary water supply for the region. Completed in 2018, the earth dam stands at an impressive height of 210 feet, with a hydraulic height of 194.2 feet, providing a storage capacity of 96,850 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 1,435 acres.

The dam's high hazard potential is closely monitored through regular inspections and maintenance, with the latest assessment in October 2018 deeming its condition as satisfactory. In the event of an emergency, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place, last revised in December 2020. Despite its critical role in water supply, New Calaveras faces potential risks that necessitate ongoing risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding communities.

With its strategic location in Alameda County and close proximity to Sacramento District, New Calaveras represents a key component of California's water infrastructure. From its impressive structural design to its significant storage capacity, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region, underscoring the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to safeguard its integrity for the future.

Year Completed

2018

Dam Length

1210

Dam Height

210

River Or Stream

Calaveras Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1435

Hydraulic Height

194.2

Drainage Area

98.4

Nid Storage

96850

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

210
       
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.