Santa Felicia Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Santa Felicia, also known as Lake Piru, is a captivating water resource in Ventura, California, owned by the local government.


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Summary

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, recreation, and water supply for the region. Completed in 1955, Santa Felicia's earth dam stands at an impressive height of 213 feet, with a storage capacity of 88,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,240 acres.

Situated on Piru Creek in the Los Angeles District, Santa Felicia plays a vital role in water management for the area. With a high hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected and maintained by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure its safety. The reservoir offers a maximum discharge capacity of 208,800 cubic feet per second and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 475 feet, providing essential flood control measures for the region.

Water and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Santa Felicia as a key water supply source in California. With its strategic location and critical role in water management, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

1275

Dam Height

213

River Or Stream

Piru Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1240

Hydraulic Height

193

Drainage Area

423

Nid Storage

88000

Structural Height

213

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

213
       
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.