Introduction
Jurisdictional dams are dams within the jurisdiction of the State of California that can be defined as artificial barriers, together with appurtenant works, which are 25 feet or more in height or have an impounding capacity of 50 acre-feet or more. Any artificial barrier not in excess of 6 feet in height, regardless of storage capacity, or that has a storage capacity not in excess of 15 acre-feet, regardless of height, is not considered jurisdictional. This definition is from Bulletin 17-00, California Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Safety of Dams. For more information about the jurisdictional dams visit the Department of Water Resources.