Middlefield Reservoir

Offstream· Alameda, California· Built 1958· Earth· 147 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Middlefield Reservoir is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. 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 147 ft (taller than 89.6% in CA)
Dam Length1,017 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage22 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Year Completed1958 (68 years old)
NID IDCA00896

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: October 26, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Alameda County Water District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Middlefield Reservoir?

Middlefield Reservoir 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 Middlefield Reservoir?

Middlefield Reservoir is owned by Alameda County Water District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Middlefield Reservoir built?

Middlefield Reservoir 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 Middlefield Reservoir?

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

How tall is Middlefield Reservoir?

Middlefield Reservoir has a dam height of 147 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 Middlefield Reservoir last inspected?

Middlefield Reservoir was last inspected on October 26, 2021. 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.