Villa Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Villa Park, located in Orange County, California, is home to a remarkable Earth-type dam constructed in 1963 along the Santiago Creek.


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Summary

This flood risk reduction structure stands at 118 feet tall, with a hydraulic height of 99.7 feet and a length of 1475 feet. The dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 15,600 acre-feet, helping to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the local government, Villa Park Dam is regulated and inspected by the California Department of Water Resources for safety and enforcement. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory, ensuring its effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the region. The last inspection in April 2020 confirmed its structural integrity, with an inspection frequency of once per year to ensure continued safety and functionality.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Villa Park Dam serves as a critical infrastructure piece in maintaining flood risk reduction along the Santiago Creek. With its significant storage capacity, structural height, and satisfactory condition, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. As a key feature in the local landscape, the Villa Park Dam stands as a testament to effective water management practices and the importance of infrastructure resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1475

Dam Height

118

River Or Stream

Santiago Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

480

Hydraulic Height

99.7

Drainage Area

83.4

Nid Storage

15600

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

118
       
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.