Deer Creek Diversion
Deer Creek Diversion is an arch dam located in Nevada County, California, built in 1928. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Deer Creek Diversion
The primary purpose of Deer Creek Diversion is debris control. The dam is designed to catch sediment, rocks, and debris carried by flowing water — particularly important in areas prone to mudslides or heavy erosion. The dam is owned by Nevada Irrigation District (public utility). It impounds the Deer Creek near Nevada City.
The dam stands 92 feet tall and stretches 334 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 56 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 20 square miles. Completed in 1928, 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 09/04/2025.
At 92 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Nevada |
| Nearest City | Nevada City |
| River/Stream | Deer Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.26970, -120.95410 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Arch |
| NID Height | 92 ft |
| Dam Height | 92 ft |
| Dam Length | 334 ft |
| Year Completed | 1928 (98 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 56 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Debris Control |
| Owner | Nevada Irrigation District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/04/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00246 |
| Federal ID | CA00246 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |