Rector Creek
Rector Creek is an earth dam located in Napa County, California, built in 1946. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Rector Creek
The primary purpose of Rector Creek is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by California Department Of Veteran Affairs (state). It impounds the Rector Creek near Yountville, Napa.
The dam stands 164 feet tall and stretches 890 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 82 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,587 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 10 square miles. Completed in 1946, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/04/2025.
At 164 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The California dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Napa |
| Nearest City | Yountville, Napa |
| River/Stream | Rector Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.44340, -122.34540 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 164 ft |
| Dam Height | 164 ft |
| Dam Length | 890 ft |
| Year Completed | 1946 (80 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,587 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,587 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 82 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | California Department of Veteran Affairs |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/04/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00011 |
| Federal ID | CA00011 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |