Metzger
Metzger is an earth dam located in Mariposa County, California, built in 1956. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Metzger
The primary purpose of Metzger is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Mr. Martin Villasenor (private). It impounds the Dutch Creek.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 460 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 8 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1956, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 05/28/2025.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Mariposa |
| River/Stream | Dutch Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.71660, -120.10980 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 460 ft |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Mr. Martin Villasenor |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/28/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00703 |
| Federal ID | CA00703 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |