Lake Cuyamaca dam
Lake Cuyamaca
Lake Cuyamaca is a picturesque reservoir located in Cuyamaca, California, owned and regulated by the state's Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams. Built in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and serves as a vital water supply source for the region with a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet. The dam also supports recreational activities and covers a surface area of 110 acres, offering a tranquil escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Managed by a public utility, Lake Cuyamaca's low hazard potential and satisfactory condition make it a safe and reliable water source. The dam overlooks the scenic Boulder Creek, with a drainage area of 12 square miles. Despite its modest size, the reservoir plays a crucial role in water supply management for San Diego County and provides a serene backdrop for outdoor recreation. With its strategic location and well-maintained infrastructure, Lake Cuyamaca stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.
For those interested in the intersection of water resources and climate change, Lake Cuyamaca offers a fascinating case study in dam construction and regulation. With state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam serves as a model for responsible water infrastructure development. As climate variability continues to impact water availability, Lake Cuyamaca stands as a resilient water source that not only meets the region's needs but also provides a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking solace in its tranquil waters.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Cuyamaca -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetwater R Nr Descanso Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Santa Ysabel C Nr Ramona Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Sweetwater R A Dehesa Ca | · | → |
| Los Coches C Nr Lakeside Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Santa Maria C Nr Ramona Ca | · | → |
| Guejito C Nr San Pasqual Ca | 0 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Cuyamaca.
Boat launches
- Sutherland Dam Road 21568-21722, Ramona
- Highway 76 26439, Santa Ysabel
- San Diego County
- 2315-2351 Barrett Lake Rd, California
- Lake Miramar
Campgrounds
- Lake Cuyamaca Park
- Camp Hual-Cu-Cuish (Closed)
- Paso Picacho Campground
- Paso Picacho - Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
- William Heise
- Green Valley - Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Crouch Ranch To Morena Reservoir
- Forest Boundary, Above Zoo Creek Below Spillway (S1/2, Sec 3, T11s, R2e) To La Jolla Indian Reservation Boundary (N1/2, Sec 31, T10s, R2e)
- Confluence Of Fry And Iron Spring Creeks (E1/2, Sec 3, T10s,R1e To Se1/4 Sec 16, T10s, R2e
- Cañon La Presa (Valle Las Palma To Presa Rodriguez)
- Santa Margarita River
More reservoirs
Track Lake Cuyamaca in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Cuyamaca
Where does the data for Lake Cuyamaca come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Cuyamaca.