Miramar Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Miramar is a significant Earth dam located in the city of Miramar, California, completed in 1960 with a height of 165 feet and a hydraulic height of 159 feet.


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Summary

It serves as a crucial water supply structure on Big Surr Creek, providing a storage capacity of 7250 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 162 acres. The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulation, with the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes.

With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of 2017, Miramar Dam is a vital infrastructure for the region's water resource management. The dam is owned and operated by the local government, with a primary purpose of water supply. It is situated in San Diego County and falls under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite its age, the dam has been regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in December 2020, ensuring its safety and reliability in the face of potential risks and emergencies.

As an essential component of the water supply system in Miramar, this dam plays a crucial role in storing and regulating water flow from Big Surr Creek. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Miramar Dam contributes to the overall water security and resilience of the region, especially in times of drought or increasing water demand due to climate change. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and regulatory aspects of this infrastructure, which highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

2265

Dam Height

165

River Or Stream

Big Surr Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

162

Hydraulic Height

159

Drainage Area

1.03

Nid Storage

7250

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

165
       
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.