Maerkle Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maerkle dam, located in Carlsbad, California, serves as a vital water supply structure in the region, primarily for irrigation and water supply purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 165 feet and has a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Tr Aqua Hedionda river and has a surface area of 14 acres, serving as a crucial resource for the local community.

Managed by a public utility, Maerkle dam is regulated and inspected by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program. With a high hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as satisfactory, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. The last inspection took place in January 2020, with a scheduled frequency of one inspection per year, highlighting the ongoing efforts to monitor and maintain the dam's operations.

In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), although details regarding its preparation and guidelines compliance are not specified in the available data. With its critical role in water resource management and the potential risks associated with its high hazard rating, Maerkle dam stands as a key infrastructure element in the region's water supply system, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

165

River Or Stream

Tr Aqua Hedionda

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

160

Drainage Area

0.02

Nid Storage

600

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

165
       
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.