Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hetch Hetchy is a reservoir located in Yosemite National Park in California.


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Summary

The Hetch Hetchy Valley, once described as "a grand landscape garden", was dammed in the early 20th century to provide water to the San Francisco Bay Area. The damming of the valley has been a controversial topic and has resulted in ongoing conservation efforts. The reservoir is fed by several surface flows, including the Tuolumne River, which originates in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Snowpack from the surrounding mountains also provides water to the reservoir. The water from Hetch Hetchy is used for agricultural purposes, such as irrigation, as well as for domestic and industrial use in the Bay Area. Recreational activities, such as hiking and camping, are also popular in the area.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
Minimum 183.0 acre-ft
2024-04-04
Maximum 377,830.0 acre-ft
2016-05-21
Average 245,330 acre-ft
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
Inflow 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.