Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista is an earth dam located in Merced County, California, built in 1872. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista is a dam in Merced, California. The dam is owned by Edward De Jager (private). It impounds the Chowchilla Rv.

The dam stands 12 feet tall and stretches 350 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 31 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. Completed in 1872, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 03/21/2025.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Low HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: No

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyMerced
River/StreamChowchilla Rv
Coordinates37.15230, -120.27650

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height12 ft
Dam Height12 ft
Dam Length350 ft
Year Completed1872 (154 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage90 acre-ft
Max Storage90 acre-ft
Surface Area31 acres

Ownership & Safety

PurposeOther
OwnerEdward De Jager
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationLow
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection03/21/2025
Emergency Action PlanNo

Identifiers

NID IDCA00705
Federal IDCA00705
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams