Mustang Creek
Mustang Creek is an earth dam located in Merced County, California, built in 1975. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Mustang Creek
The primary purpose of Mustang Creek is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by County Of Merced (local government). It impounds the Mustang Creek.
The dam stands 18 feet tall and stretches 1,600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 190 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 700 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 12 square miles. Completed in 1975, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in 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 03/24/2025.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Merced |
| River/Stream | Mustang Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.50620, -120.65570 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 190 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | County of Merced |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/24/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01097 |
| Federal ID | CA01097 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |