Sutro Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Sutro Reservoir is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 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 | 55 ft (taller than 63.8% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 96 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Year Completed | 1952 (74 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00135 |
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
City and County of San Francisco
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Summit Reservoir
San Francisco, CA
High Hazard 39 ftStanford Heights
San Francisco, CA
High Hazard 31 ftSunset North Basin
San Francisco, CA
High Hazard 74 ftSunset South Basin
San Francisco, CA
High Hazard 34 ftUniversity Mound North Basin
San Francisco, CA
High Hazard 17 ftUniversity Mound South Basin
San Francisco, CA
High Hazard 61 ftUpper Pond
San Mateo, CA
Significant Hazard 30 ftTennessee Valley Dam
Marin, CA
High Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sutro Reservoir?
Sutro 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 Sutro Reservoir?
Sutro Reservoir is owned by City and County of San Francisco (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sutro Reservoir built?
Sutro Reservoir was completed in 1952, making it 74 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 Sutro Reservoir?
Sutro 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 Sutro Reservoir?
Sutro Reservoir has a dam height of 55 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 Sutro Reservoir last inspected?
Sutro Reservoir was last inspected on February 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.