Los Vaqueros Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Los Vaqueros Reservoir is a large water storage facility located in California.


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Summary

Completed in 1998, the reservoir was built to provide additional water to the Bay Area. It has a capacity of 160,000 acre-feet of water and serves as a critical source of drinking water for approximately 500,000 people in the region. The reservoir is fed by several surface streams, including Marsh Creek and Arroyo del Valle, and also receives water from the snowpack in the nearby mountains. Los Vaqueros is used for both agricultural and recreational purposes. The reservoir supports the irrigation of over 45,000 acres of farmland in the Contra Costa Water District, and it is also a popular destination for fishing and boating. The facility serves as a critical component of California's water infrastructure, helping to ensure reliable water supplies for the region.

Reservoir Details

24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Dam_Height 231
Hydraulic_Height 217
Drainage_Area 18.75
Year_Completed 1997
Nid_Storage 160000
Surface_Area 1836
Hazard_Potential High
River_Or_Stream Kellogg Creek
Dam_Length 1280
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 231
       
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.