San Vicente Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

San Vicente Dam, located in Lakeside, California, is a key structure managed by the local government for flood risk reduction and water supply purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1943, this Roller-Compacted Concrete dam stands at a height of 338 feet and has a storage capacity of 245,000 acre-feet. The dam spans 1,425 feet and is situated on San Vicente Creek, within the San Diego County.

This dam is regulated by the Department of Water Resources and falls under the safety jurisdiction of the State of California. It has been deemed to have a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, last assessed in September 2017. The dam is regularly inspected with a frequency of once a year, with the last inspection conducted in December 2020. Despite its age, San Vicente Dam continues to play a crucial role in managing the water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, San Vicente Dam serves as a prime example of infrastructure that is vital for both flood control and water supply management. Its strategic location, impressive height, and significant storage capacity make it a critical asset in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. With ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts, San Vicente Dam remains a cornerstone in the sustainable management of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1943

Dam Length

1425

Dam Height

338

River Or Stream

San Vicente Creek

Primary Dam Type

Roller-Compacted Concrete

Surface Area

1675

Hydraulic Height

324.5

Drainage Area

74.2

Nid Storage

245000

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

338
       
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.