Upper Otay Dam
Upper Otay
Upper Otay is a captivating water resource located in Chula Vista, California, with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1901. This arch-type dam stands at an impressive height of 78 feet, providing vital water supply to the region with a storage capacity of 2825 acre-feet. Situated on the Proctor Val Cr river, Upper Otay covers a surface area of 88 acres and serves as a crucial resource for the surrounding community.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Department of Water Resources, Upper Otay boasts a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, ensuring its reliability in providing water supply for years to come. With a drainage area of 12.6 square miles, this dam plays a significant role in water management and climate resilience efforts in San Diego County. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate sustainability will find Upper Otay to be a fascinating example of infrastructure that supports both environmental and community needs.
As a key component of the water supply infrastructure in the region, Upper Otay not only serves practical purposes but also stands as a testament to engineering excellence and environmental stewardship. With its strategic location and impressive design, this dam represents a vital link in the chain of water resource management, contributing to the overall resilience of the area in the face of climate challenges. For those passionate about water resources and climate adaptation, Upper Otay offers a compelling case study in sustainable infrastructure development and management.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Upper Otay -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Jamul C Nr Jamul Ca | 9 cfs | → |
| Sweetwater R A Dehesa Ca | · | → |
| Los Coches C Nr Lakeside Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| San Diego R A Mast Rd Nr Santee Ca | 1 cfs | → |
| San Diego R A Fashion Valley At San Diego Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Sweetwater R Nr Descanso Ca | · | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Upper Otay.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Upper Otay
Where does the data for Upper Otay come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.