Donovan

Rye Grass Swale· Modoc, California· Built 1953· Earth· 28 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Donovan is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 27.2% in CA)
Dam Length2,750 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.2K acre-ft
Surface Area207 acres
Drainage Area35 sq mi
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDCA00494

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 17, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

California Pines Property Owners Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Donovan?

Donovan is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Donovan?

Donovan is owned by California Pines Property Owners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Donovan built?

Donovan was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Donovan?

Donovan serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Donovan?

Donovan has a dam height of 28 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 Donovan last inspected?

Donovan was last inspected on June 17, 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.