Rancho Del Ciervo Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rancho Del Ciervo, also known as Dennis Reservoir, is a privately owned earth dam located in Santa Barbara, California.


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Summary

Built in 1938, this dam serves primarily as a water supply for irrigation and domestic use. With a height of 65 feet and a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet, Rancho Del Ciervo plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Rancho Del Ciervo is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory during its last inspection in May 2020. With a drainage area of 0.76 square miles, this reservoir provides vital water resources for the surrounding Tehon Ranch area.

As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Rancho Del Ciervo represents the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in California. Its strategic location along Tr San Jose Creek and its role in supplying water for irrigation highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring this dam to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

758

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

Tr San Jose Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

59

Drainage Area

0.76

Nid Storage

165

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

65
       
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.