Martinez Dam

Martinez Dam is an earth dam located in Contra Costa County, California, built in 1947. It carries a High hazard potential classification.

About Martinez Dam

The primary purpose of Martinez Dam 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 Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Pacheco Creek Os, Tr Sacramento Riv.

The dam stands 62 feet tall and stretches 1,200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 14 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 296 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1947, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/08/2021.

At 62 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.

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 HazardNot Available ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyContra Costa
River/StreamPacheco Creek Os, Tr Sacramento Riv
Coordinates38.01059, -122.10855

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height62 ft
Dam Height44 ft
Dam Length1,200 ft
Year Completed1947 (79 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage296 acre-ft
Max Storage296 acre-ft
Normal Storage268 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge53 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerBUREAU OF RECLAMATION
Owner TypeFederal
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentNot Available
Last Inspection06/08/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA10168
Federal IDCA10168
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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