Mccloud - Iron Canyon Diversion Tunnel Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

The McCloud Iron Canyon Diversion Tunnel was constructed in California in 1965 to divert water from the McCloud River to the Sacramento River, primarily for agricultural irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The tunnel is 8.3 miles long and has a capacity of 1,000 cubic feet per second. The project was controversial at the time of construction due to concerns about the impact on the river's fish populations. The McCloud River is fed by snowmelt from the nearby Mount Shasta, which provides a significant portion of California's water supply. The river is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, rafting, and hiking. Despite the controversy surrounding its construction, the McCloud Iron Canyon Diversion Tunnel continues to provide a vital source of water for California's agricultural industry.

Reservoir Details

24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Dam_Height 255
Drainage_Area 398
Year_Completed 1965
Nid_Storage 35234
Surface_Area 520
Outlet_Gates Tainter (radial) - 3
River_Or_Stream McCloud River
Dam_Length 630
Hazard_Potential High
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 255
       
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.