Donnells
Key Takeaway
Donnells is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 317 ft (taller than 98.7% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 750 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 65.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 64.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 418 acres |
| Drainage Area | 226 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 43,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00264 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
South San Joaquin Irrigation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
New Spicer Meadow
Tuolumne, CA
High Hazard 265 ftHerring Creek Reservoir
Tuolumne, CA
Significant Hazard 16 ftLeland Meadows
Tuolumne, CA
Low Hazard 17 ftUnion Main
Alpine, CA
Low Hazard 36 ftUtica Main
Alpine, CA
High Hazard 59 ftNorth Fork Diversion
Alpine, CA
Low Hazard 53 ftStrawberry
Tuolumne, CA
High Hazard 143 ftBear Valley Sh
Alpine, CA
Significant Hazard 43 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Donnells?
Donnells 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 Donnells?
Donnells is owned by South San Joaquin Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Donnells built?
Donnells was completed in 1958, making it 68 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Donnells?
Donnells serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Donnells?
Donnells has a dam height of 317 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 Donnells last inspected?
Donnells was last inspected on July 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.