Rice #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rice #1, also known as Jordan Pond, is a Federal-owned recreational facility located in Mariposa, California.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches for 300 feet along Jordan Creek. While primarily used for recreation, the dam also serves as a fish and wildlife pond.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, Rice #1 has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam does not have a Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, and its last inspection was conducted in October 2015. Despite these concerns, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is currently under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Rice #1 to be an intriguing case study, given its historical significance and potential risks associated with its operation. The dam's location in the San Francisco District, along with its unique design features such as an uncontrolled spillway, offer valuable insights into the management of water resources in the region. As efforts are made to address the dam's hazard potential and improve its risk management measures, Rice #1 continues to stand as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure for the benefit of both humans and wildlife.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

JORDAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.