Encinosa Basin North
Encinosa Basin North is an earth dam located in Solano County, California, built in 2009. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Encinosa Basin North
The primary purpose of Encinosa Basin North 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 City Of Vacaville (local government). It impounds the Encinosa Creek near Vacaville.
The dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches 1,750 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 14 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 146 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 2009, the structure is relatively new.
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 09/17/2025.
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 | Solano |
| Nearest City | Vacaville |
| River/Stream | Encinosa Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.36279, -122.02142 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,750 ft |
| Year Completed | 2009 (17 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 146 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 146 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | City of Vacaville |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/17/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01512 |
| Federal ID | CA01512 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |