Shelley Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Shelley is a privately owned dam located in Montague, California, along the Webb Gulch river.


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Summary

Completed in 1952, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 364 acre-feet, serving primarily for water supply purposes, including irrigation. With a drainage area of 4.31 square miles, Shelley plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, especially during times of high demand or drought.

Despite being privately owned, Shelley is regulated and inspected by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program. The dam is in satisfactory condition, as assessed in September 2017, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection took place in November 2020, and the dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Located in Siskiyou County, Shelley not only provides essential water supply but also contributes to the overall water management strategy in the area, helping to mitigate risks associated with water scarcity and flooding events.

With its significant role in the water supply infrastructure of the region, Shelley stands as a testament to the importance of private ownership in managing water resources effectively. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Shelley play a crucial role in ensuring a reliable water supply for agricultural and municipal needs. Through regular inspections and regulatory oversight, Shelley remains a valuable asset in the management of water resources in California, highlighting the need for sustainable infrastructure development in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

Webb Gulch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

4.31

Nid Storage

364

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.