Vonsen

Vonsen is an earth dam located in Marin County, California, built in 1951. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Vonsen

The primary purpose of Vonsen 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 Mary Volpi (private). It impounds the Tr San Antonio Cr near San Antonio.

The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 402 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1951, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 12/11/2025.

At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 82% 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyMarin
Nearest CitySan Antonio
River/StreamTr San Antonio Cr
Coordinates38.18210, -122.67860

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height35 ft
Dam Height35 ft
Dam Length402 ft
Year Completed1951 (75 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage70 acre-ft
Max Storage70 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerMary Volpi
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection12/11/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA00592
Federal IDCA00592
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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