Browns Lane

Sonoma, California· Earth· 32 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Browns Lane is classified as high hazard in California. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	32 ft (taller than 34.2% in CA)
Dam Length	1,600 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	103 acre-ft

Surface Area	6 acres
NID ID	CA01606

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No

Last Inspection: August 11, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Jackson Family Wines

Private

Nearby Dams

Pinheiro

Sonoma, CA

Significant Hazard 26 ft

Sonoma Hills

Sonoma, CA

Low Hazard 38 ft

Lawler

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Low Hazard 40 ft

Redwood Landfill Leachate Impoundment

Marin, CA

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Lowrey No. 1

Sonoma, CA

Significant Hazard 19 ft

Sleepy Hollow No. 2

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High Hazard 39 ft

Fern Lake

Sonoma, CA

High Hazard 40 ft

Vonsen

Marin, CA

High Hazard 35 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Browns Lane?

Browns Lane is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Browns Lane?

Browns Lane is owned by Jackson Family Wines (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Browns Lane?

Browns Lane serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Browns Lane?

Browns Lane has a dam height of 32 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Browns Lane last inspected?

Browns Lane was last inspected on August 11, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.