Middlefield Reservoir dam
Middlefield Reservoir
Middlefield Reservoir, located in Fremont, California, is a vital offstream water supply resource managed by the local government. Completed in 1958, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 147 feet and spans 1017 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 22 acre-feet. With a surface area of 2 acres, Middlefield Reservoir serves as a crucial water source for the region, especially in times of high demand.
This reservoir is regulated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its high hazard potential, Middlefield Reservoir has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of September 2017. Emergency action plans are in place, although details on their last revision and meeting guidelines are not available. As a key water supply infrastructure in Alameda County, Middlefield Reservoir plays a significant role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Middlefield Reservoir offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, water supply, and environmental sustainability. Positioned within the Sacramento District, this reservoir not only meets the water needs of the local community but also highlights the importance of effective dam management and regulatory oversight. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding and monitoring structures like Middlefield Reservoir become increasingly crucial for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Middlefield Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Alameda C Nr Fremont Ca | 34 cfs | → |
| Alameda C Nr Niles Ca | 16 cfs | → |
| Alameda C Bl Welch C Nr Sunol Ca | 12 cfs | → |
| San Antonio C Nr Sunol Ca | · | → |
| Alameda C Flood Channel A Union City Ca | 40 cfs | → |
| Dry C A Union City Ca | · | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Middlefield Reservoir.
⚓ Boat launches
- Lake Elizabeth Boat Ramp
- Chelsea Drive 5094, Newark
- Santa Clara County
- Palo Alto Boat Launch
- San Francisco Bay Trail East Palo Alto
- Whidbey Lane Redwood City
⛺ Campgrounds
More campgrounds →🎣 Fishing spots
More fishing →🛶 Paddle runs
- Gold Creek To Three Pools (Opal Creek Run)
- Headwaters To Mouth
- Headwaters To Ends One Quarter Mile South Of Bear Valley Road Bridge Segment 1: Ends 1/4 Mile South Of Bear Valley Road Bridge Segment 2: Caltrans Corporation Yard At Point Reyes Staton.
🛡 More reservoirs
More reservoirs →Track Middlefield Reservoir in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Middlefield Reservoir
Where does the data for Middlefield Reservoir come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Middlefield Reservoir.