Cherry Lk Nr Hetch Hetchy Ca Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cherry Lake near Hetch Hetchy in California is a reservoir created by the Hetch Hetchy Dam in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.


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Summary

The dam was built in the early 20th century to provide water and hydroelectric power for San Francisco. The hydrology of the area is influenced by snowpack from the surrounding mountains, which feeds into the Tuolumne River and ultimately into the reservoir. The reservoir also receives water from specific surface flows in the area. Agriculture and recreation are limited in the immediate vicinity of the reservoir due to its protected status, but nearby areas offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. Overall, Cherry Lake serves as an important source of water and power for the San Francisco Bay Area.

Reservoir Details

Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft 24hr Change 0.0%
Percent of Normal 100%
Minimum 4,497.81 ft
2017-12-19
Maximum 4,703.11 ft
2009-06-01
Average 4,662 ft
Dam_Height 315
Hydraulic_Height 302.5
Drainage_Area 114
Year_Completed 1956
Nid_Storage 273500
River_Or_Stream Cherry Creek
Surface_Area 1535
Hazard_Potential High
Dam_Length 2630
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 315
       
Seasonal Comparison
Reservoir Storage, Acre-Ft Levels
Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft Levels

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.