Lake Los Carneros Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Los Carneros, located in Goleta, California, is a picturesque reservoir owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Water Resources for the safety of dams.


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Summary

Built in 1932 for water supply purposes, this earth dam stands at 31 feet high with a storage capacity of 168 acre-feet. The reservoir covers 20 acres and is fed by the La Patera Depress stream, serving irrigation and water supply needs in the region.

With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of 2017, Lake Los Carneros is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Managed by the Los Angeles District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the reservoir plays a crucial role in flood control and water management in the area. Despite lacking spillway information or emergency action plans, the dam continues to provide essential water resources for the community while highlighting the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in the face of climate change challenges.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

1921

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

La Patera Depress

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

18.2

Drainage Area

0.34

Nid Storage

168

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
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.