Barrett Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barrett is a reservoir located in San Diego County, California.


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Summary

It was constructed in the early 1900s to provide water for the city of San Diego. The reservoir is situated in a watershed that covers approximately 40 square miles and is fed by the Barrett Creek, which originates in the Laguna Mountains. The hydrology of the area is influenced by the Mediterranean climate, with most of the rainfall occurring in the winter months. The reservoir provides water to the city of San Diego, as well as to local farmers for irrigation. Recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping are also popular in the area. The snowpack providers in the region include the nearby mountains, which provide snowmelt runoff into the reservoir. The surface flow in the area is primarily provided by the Barrett Creek.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
Minimum 13,264.0 acre-ft
2023-01-17
Maximum 33,818.0 acre-ft
2023-07-03
Average acre-ft
Dam_Height 161
Hydraulic_Height 151
Drainage_Area 252
Year_Completed 1922
Nid_Storage 44755
Hazard_Potential High
Primary_Dam_Type Gravity
River_Or_Stream Cottonwood Cr
Surface_Area 891
Dam_Length 750
Nid_Height 161
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
Inflow Levels

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.