Palo Verde Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Palo Verde, also known as Palo Verde Lake, is a privately-owned dam located in Chula Vista, California.


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Summary

This earth-type dam was completed in 1970 and serves primarily for water supply purposes, with a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet. The dam has a height of 67 feet and spans 758 feet in length, with a hydraulic height of 53.28 feet. It is situated along the Sweetwater River and falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams in California.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Palo Verde poses a high hazard potential due to its location and structural characteristics. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in May 2020, to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The dam is equipped with emergency action plans, although specific details regarding their preparedness and compliance with guidelines are not provided in the data. The dam's risk assessment and management measures are also unspecified, leaving room for further evaluation and improvement to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Palo Verde presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and management. With its location in a high-risk area and the complexities of balancing water supply needs with environmental and safety concerns, this dam serves as a focal point for discussions on sustainable water management practices and the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure. As efforts continue to address climate change impacts on water resources, the significance of dams like Palo Verde in ensuring water security and resilience underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring, assessment, and risk management strategies to safeguard both the dam's integrity and the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

758

Dam Height

67

River Or Stream

Sweetwater Rv

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Hydraulic Height

53.28

Drainage Area

54

Nid Storage

1000

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

67
       
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.