Donovan is an earth dam located in Modoc County, California, built in 1953. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 28 ft28 ft tall and 2,750 ft long, taller than 62% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Donovan
The primary purpose of Donovan 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 Pines Property Owners Association (private). It impounds the Rye Grass Swale.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 2,750 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 207 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,234 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 35 square miles. Completed in 1953, 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/22/2025.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Modoc |
| River/Stream | Rye Grass Swale |
| Coordinates | 41.40990, -120.69350 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,750 ft |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,234 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,234 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 207 acres |
| Drainage Area | 35 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | California Pines Property Owners Association |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/22/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00494 |
| Federal ID | CA00494 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |