Phoenix
Phoenix is an earth dam located in Tuolumne County, California, built in 1880. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Phoenix
Phoenix is a dam in Tuolumne, California. The dam is owned by Tuolumne Utilities District (public utility). It impounds the Sullivan Creek near Sonora.
The dam stands 52 feet tall and stretches 795 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 76 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 455 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 24 square miles. Completed in 1880, the structure is over a century old.
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 09/16/2025.
At 52 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
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 | Tuolumne |
| Nearest City | Sonora |
| River/Stream | Sullivan Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.99980, -120.32730 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Length | 795 ft |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 455 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 455 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 76 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Tuolumne Utilities District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/16/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00389 |
| Federal ID | CA00389 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |