Newell Creek Dam Background

In March 2024, the City of Santa Cruz Water Department  completed the replacement of the existing Newell Creek Dam (NCD) inlet/outlet works at Loch Lomond Reservoir in the San Lorenzo Valley as required by the Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD).Completed in 1961, the earthfill dam stands approximately 195 feet tall with a crest length of approximately 750 feet. NCD impounds Loch Lomond Reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of approximately 8,646 acre-feet. The dam is operated by the Santa Cruz Water Department and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD). A summary of the project's objectives and components are below.

Project Objectives

• Protect the City's water supply system by addressing existing deficiencies.
• Establish long-term reliable storage of drinking water supply.
• Meet DSOD drawdown requirements.
• Improve overall operational efficiency and system performance.
• Improve inspection and maintenance access.
• Implement a cost-effective project, including operation/maintenance costs.
• Maintain uninterrupted beneficial flow releases during construction.

Project Components

• Three new inlets that control and convey flows.
• New outlet structure with valves and controls to provide for energy dissipation for water releases to the Newell Creek Pipeline (NCP) or beneficial releases to Newell Creek.
• New dam seepage collection and monitoring system.
• 10-14 foot diameter tunnel with 48-inch and 10-inch inlet/outlet pipelines.
• Replacement of approximately 2,000 linear-foot segment of the NCP.
• New intake control building on dam crest.
• Access road improvements including a new culvert crossing at spillway plunge pool.
• Decommissioning the existing inlet/outlet works.

 Project Schedule

Project Contact:

Isidro Rivera, Project Manager

irivera@cityofsantacruz.com