Chollas Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chollas Reservoir, located in San Diego, California, serves as a critical water resource managed by the local government.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation and water supply, this earth dam stands at a height of 50 feet, with a hydraulic height of 40.4 feet. Completed in 1901, Chollas Reservoir has a storage capacity of 167 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 18 acres, drawing water from the Tr Chollas Creek.

Maintained by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and regulated by the Safety of Dams agency, Chollas Reservoir is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safe operation. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of September 2017 is deemed satisfactory. With a notable proximity to the city of San Diego and under the jurisdiction of the state, Chollas Reservoir plays a vital role in water management and hydroelectric power generation for the region.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Chollas Reservoir not only contributes to water supply and hydroelectricity but also serves as a crucial asset for climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. With its significant historical importance and ongoing regulatory oversight, Chollas Reservoir stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate adaptation, and infrastructure safety in California's dynamic landscape.

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

565

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

Tr Chollas Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

40.4

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

167

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

50
       
Seasonal Comparison

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.