Lee Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lee Lake, also known as Corona Lake, is a historic earth dam in Riverside County, California, completed in 1893 for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Located in the city of Corona, the dam stands at 47 feet high with a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet. It is situated on Temescal Creek, serving as a crucial source of water for irrigation and municipal use in the region.

Despite its age, Lee Lake dam faces challenges with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The last inspection in January 2022 revealed the need for improvements, with the dam being regulated, permitted, and inspected by the California Department of Water Resources for safety compliance. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in April 2021, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in the event of a potential breach or disaster.

With a drainage area of 56.18 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 12,347 cubic feet per second, Lee Lake remains a significant water resource in the region. However, ongoing risk assessment and management measures are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of this vital infrastructure for water supply and climate enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1893

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

Temescal Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

70

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

56.18

Nid Storage

1100

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

47
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.