Yorba Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Yorba, also known as Yorba Linda Reservoir, is a significant water resource infrastructure located in Orange County, California.


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Summary

Owned and regulated by the local government, this earth-type dam was completed in 1907 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Tr Santa Ana River. With a height of 45 feet and a hydraulic height of 39.6 feet, Yorba has a storage capacity of 1200 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 87 acres.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Yorba has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in September 2017. The dam is inspected annually, with the most recent inspection conducted in April 2020. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region and is regulated by the Department of Water Resources, Safety of Dams division.

Situated in the city of Olive, Yorba serves as an essential component of the water management infrastructure in Southern California. With its strategic location and effective flood risk reduction capabilities, Yorba contributes to the overall resilience of the region's water resources in the face of climate change and increasing hydrological challenges. As a key player in the state's water management system, Yorba exemplifies the importance of proactive dam maintenance and oversight to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

920

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

Tr Santa Ana River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

87

Hydraulic Height

39.6

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

1200

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

45
       
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.