San Dieguito Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Rancho Santa Fe, California, the San Dieguito Reservoir is a vital water resource with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

Completed in 1918, this multi-arch dam stands at a height of 51 feet and has a storage capacity of 883 acre-feet, serving multiple purposes including irrigation and water supply. The reservoir spans 56 acres with a drainage area of 1.4 square miles, drawing water from the Tr Escondido Creek.

Managed by a public utility, the dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 deemed it satisfactory, with regular inspections and emergency action plans in place. With a history dating back over a century, San Dieguito Reservoir remains a critical infrastructure for water management in San Diego County, contributing to the region's water supply and hydroelectric power needs.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

Tr Escondido Cr

Primary Dam Type

Multi-Arch

Surface Area

56

Hydraulic Height

50

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

883

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

51
       
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.