Householder Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Householder, also known as Long Branch, is a federal-owned dam located in Modoc, California.


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Summary

Constructed in 1970 by the USDA Forest Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 450 feet. With a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, and serving as a small fish pond, Householder has a storage capacity of 129 acre-feet and is situated within a drainage area of 3.4 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Householder has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 20 feet, and its outlet gates also remain uncontrolled. The last inspection of the dam took place in August 2010, with an inspection frequency of every 10 years. With a moderate risk assessment rating, Householder is monitored by the Forest Service for any necessary risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Householder to be an intriguing structure, providing essential services for fire protection and water storage within the Modoc County region. The dam's history, design features, and regulatory oversight by the Forest Service make it a significant asset in the local water infrastructure. As efforts continue to assess and manage potential risks associated with the dam, Householder remains a key component in the conservation and utilization of water resources in California.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

12

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

3.4

Nid Storage

129

Structural Height

12

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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.