USACE Conducts Dam Inspections After 7.0-Magnitude Earthquake Off Northern California Coast

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District has conducted routine inspections at four of its dams following a reported 7.0 magnitude earthquake event off the coast of Northern California on December 5, 2024.

The inspections were carried out at Black Butte, Englebright, North Fork, and Daguerre Point dams. According to the USACE, all dams are operating safely and as designed, with no issues or concerns noted by dam operators.

These inspections are part of the USACE policy that requires post-seismic inspections for its project structures based on the intensity or magnitude of a seismic event and the distance from the project structure. The goal is to ensure the safe performance and integrity of dams immediately following seismic activity.

In addition to these post-seismic inspections, the Sacramento District also conducts routine annual inspections at all its projects to make informed decisions about dam operation and maintenance. The district’s Dam Safety Program oversees 17 dams within California’s Central Valley, which fall within Seismic Zones 3 and 4.

“Seismic Zones have been defined across the United States to identify areas prone to varying degrees of seismicity,” explained Daniel Vellone, the district’s Dam Safety Program Manager. “Seismic Zone 3 consists of areas that are expected to experience some seismic-induced ground acceleration, while Zone 4 generally consists of areas that may be more prone to higher ground accelerations or near active fault lines,” Vellone added.

The Sacramento District’s engineering and operations personnel work collaboratively to ensure the projects perform as designed and serve their purpose as vital infrastructure for flood risk management, water supply, environmental stewardship, debris management, and recreation.