Cherry Valley, also known as Cherry Lake, is a key water resource infrastructure located in Moccasin, Tuolumne County, California. This dam on Cherry Creek serves various purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply. Completed in 1956, Cherry Valley Dam is an earth-type structure standing at a height of 315 feet with a storage capacity of 273,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,535 acres.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), the dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as per the last assessment in September 2017. The dam is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. With a drainage area of 114 square miles, Cherry Valley Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Situated in the San Francisco District and overseen by Congressman Tom McClintock (R), Cherry Valley Dam plays a vital role in water management and flood protection efforts in the area. With its significant storage capacity and strategic location on Cherry Creek, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for maintaining water supply, supporting agricultural activities, and safeguarding communities from flood events. As climate change impacts intensify, the proper maintenance and management of Cherry Valley Dam will be essential for ensuring water security and resilience in the region.