Senator Wash Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Senator Wash is a federal water supply reservoir located in Imperial, California, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Summary

Built in 1966, this earth dam stands at 94 feet tall, with a length of 2342 feet and a storage capacity of 17,766 acre-feet. The reservoir serves the primary purpose of water supply, with a normal storage volume of 9,144 acre-feet and a surface area of 470 acres.

The dam on Senator Wash is a vital component in managing water resources in the region, with a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment. Despite not having a state regulatory agency overseeing its operations, the Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for inspections and regulatory compliance. The reservoir is located on the Senator Wash stream and serves as a critical infrastructure for water supply in the area, ensuring water availability for agricultural and municipal use.

With a spillway width of 20 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Senator Wash reservoir has undergone modifications in 1992 for hydraulic and other purposes. Emergency action plans are in place, with the last revision in August 2017. The risk management measures for the dam are being continuously assessed, highlighting the importance of this water resource infrastructure for climate resilience and sustainable water management in California.

Years Modified

1992 - Hydraulic, 1992 - Other

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

2342

Dam Height

84

River Or Stream

SENATOR WASH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

470

Hydraulic Height

84

Drainage Area

21

Nid Storage

17766

Structural Height

94

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

94
       
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.