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Dam Spillway Repairs

A spillway from a dam surrounded by tree-covered mountains.

Following the 2017 failure of the concrete spillway on Oroville Dam, the California Division of Safety of Dams ordered the detailed evaluation of numerous dams throughout California. Through coordination with the Division of Safety of Dams, Marin Water is using a phased assessment approach, outlined below.

  • In the first phase, which was completed in 2019, Marin Water and its contractor identified and repaired minor, surface imperfections at each of the three spillways.
  • The second phase, which is currently in progress, involves structural evaluation centered on sub-surface imaging and exploration, including ground-penetrating radar and other methods for verifying structural integrity of the spillways.
Construction Update (Oct. 31, 2023)

Marin Water recently contracted with the Pressure Grout Company to assist the District in completing work as part of Phase 2 of the Dam Spillway Repair Project. The District and its contractor are currently engaged in this project, which is expected to continue through the winter. 

Soulajule Dam Spillway Repair

Image collage shows a dam and spillway at left and a map of the dam and spillway at right.

 
ProjectSoulajule Dam Spillway Repairs 
ProgramA1A05 Replacements ‐ Reservoir/Dam Facilities 
Project NumberD21014
ContactMatthew Steiner | MSteiner@marinwater.org 
Image
Map of Soulajule Dam and Reservoir
Image
Chute slab with markups showing joints and areas in need of repair

Project Description 

This project entails the condition assessments of Soulajule Dam on Soulajule Reservoir. Phase I included the repair of non-structural concrete including spalls, surface defects, offsets, sub-drain cleaning, cracks and joint sealing on the spillway of Soulajule Dam. These repairs are the output of the Phase I condition assessments conducted in accordance with Division of Safety of Dams requirements. Phase II work will include a more intensive assessment including core sampling, sub-drain investigation and ground penetrating radar. 

Benefits

Regular maintenance of dam spillways is common practice to ensure the continued operation of the facility. 

Schedule and Status

Phase I completed. Phase II design underway.

Phase II Design: Fall 2021 - Summer 2023

Phase II Construction: Summer 2023 - Winter 2023/24

Expenditure Schedule

Actuals Through 
FY 22 (Rounded) 
FY 23 
Estimate 
FY 24 
Estimate 
Total
$89,000
$50,000
$500,000
$639,000

Funding Sources 

Capital Maintenance Fund 
Other Funding Sources 
Total
$639,000
$639,000

Kent Dam Spillway Repair 

Image

 
ProjectKent Dam Spillway Repairs 
ProgramA1A05 Replacements ‐ Reservoir/Dam Facilities 
Project NumberD21013
ContactMatthew Steiner | MSteiner@marinwater.org 
Image
Map of Peters Dam and Kent Lake
Image
A marked up image of the spillway indicating joints and areas in need of repair

Project Description 

This project entails the condition assessments of Peters Dam on Kent Lake. Phase I included the repair of non-structural concrete including spalls, surface defects, offsets, sub-drain cleaning, cracks and joint sealing on the spillway of Peters Dam. These repairs are the output of the Phase I condition assessments conducted in accordance with Division of Safety of Dams requirements. Phase II work will include a more intensive assessment including core sampling, sub-drain investigation and ground penetrating radar. 

Benefits

Regular maintenance of dam spillways is common practice to ensure the continued operation of the facility. 

Schedule and Status

Phase I completed. Phase II design underway.

Phase II Design: Fall 2021 - Summer 2023

Phase II Construction: Summer 2023 - Winter 2023/24

Expenditure Schedule

Actuals Through 
FY 22 (Rounded) 
FY 23 
Estimate 
FY 24 
Estimate 
Total
$251,000
$50,000
$500,000
$801,000

Funding Sources 

Capital Maintenance Fund 
Other Funding Sources 
Total
$801,000
$801,000

Nicasio Dam Spillway Repair

Ima

 
ProjectNicasio Dam Spillway Repairs 
ProgramA1A05 Replacements ‐ Reservoir/Dam Facilities 
Project NumberD21012
ContactMatthew Steiner | MSteiner@marinwater.org 
Image
Map of the Nicasio Dam at Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd and Dam Rd
Image
Workers and equipment in the Nicasio Dam spillway

Project Description 

This project entails the condition assessments of Seeger Dam on the Nicasio Reservoir. Phase I included the repair of non-structural concrete including spalls, surface defects, offsets, sub-drain cleaning, cracks and joint sealing on the spillway of Seeger Dam. These repairs are the output of the Phase I condition assessments conducted in accordance with Division of Safety of Dams requirements. Phase II work will include a more intensive assessment including core sampling, sub-drain investigation and ground penetrating radar. 

Benefits

Regular maintenance of dam spillways is common practice to ensure the continued operation of the facility. 

Schedule and Status

Phase I completed. Phase II design underway.

Phase II Design: Fall 2021 - Summer 2023

Phase II Construction: Summer 2023 - Winter 2023/24

Expenditure Schedule

Actuals Through 
FY 22 (Rounded) 
FY 23 
Estimate 
FY 24
Estimate 
Total
$204,000
$50,000
$500,000
$754,000

Funding Sources 

Capital Maintenance Fund 
Other Funding Sources 
Total
$754,000
$754,000

Contact Information

Marin Water Construction Management team: 415-945-1560