Palisades Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Palisades Reservoir, located in Capistrano Beach, California, is a crucial water supply source with a primary purpose of providing water to the surrounding area.


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Summary

The reservoir, completed in 1963, stands at a height of 146 feet and has a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet. Its earth dam stretches 620 feet in length and is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources for safety and inspection.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Palisades Reservoir presents a high hazard potential due to its hydraulic height of 140 feet. The dam is situated on the Prima Deschecha river and serves as a vital resource for water management in the region. With a drainage area of 0.03 square miles and a surface area of 6 acres, the reservoir plays a significant role in regulating water flow and supply.

With its strategic location and essential role in water supply, Palisades Reservoir serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in California. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the reservoir's operation and maintenance will be crucial in ensuring a sustainable water supply for the surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

620

Dam Height

146

River Or Stream

Prima Deschecha

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

140

Drainage Area

0.03

Nid Storage

147

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

146
       
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.