East Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

East Park is a historic concrete dam located in Colusa County, California, specifically in the city of Elk Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1910 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this dam is primarily used for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 54,300 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,820 acres. The dam stands at a height of 139 feet and has a spillway width of 414 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 9,200 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, East Park is situated on the Little Stony Creek and serves as a vital water resource for the region. Along with irrigation, the dam also supports recreational activities and provides water supply to the surrounding areas. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure its safety and functionality, with the last inspection conducted in June 2020. The risk assessment for East Park is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk rating.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in California will find East Park to be a fascinating engineering marvel that plays a crucial role in water management in the region. With its long history dating back over a century, this concrete dam continues to serve as a key infrastructure for irrigation and water supply, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As a significant feature on the landscape of Colusa County, East Park stands as a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of early water resource developers in California.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

266

Dam Height

139

River Or Stream

LITTLE STONY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1820

Hydraulic Height

92

Drainage Area

102

Nid Storage

54300

Structural Height

139

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

139
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.