Sinaloa Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sinaloa Lake, located in Ventura, California, is a privately owned dam with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1925, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high and spans 800 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 205 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 15 acres and is fed by Tr Arroyo Simi, with a drainage area of 0.31 square miles.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for dam safety, Sinaloa Lake poses a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition. Regular inspections, with a frequency of one per year, ensure the structure's integrity. The dam is also equipped with emergency action plans to mitigate risks and protect surrounding communities in case of an emergency. Despite its primary purpose for flood risk reduction, the lake also serves irrigation, recreation, and water supply needs in the region.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Sinaloa Lake an intriguing example of human-engineered infrastructure in the face of natural challenges. Its historical significance, combined with its multiple uses and the regulatory oversight it falls under, make it a focal point for understanding the intersection of water management, safety, and community resilience in the state of California.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Tr Arroyo Simi

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

205

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.