Soda Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Soda Lake, located in Santa Cruz, California, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1978 primarily for water supply purposes, including irrigation.


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Summary

With a dam height of 44 feet and a hydraulic height of 41 feet, the reservoir has a storage capacity of 2631 acre-feet and a surface area of 72 acres. It is situated near Tr Pajaro River, providing vital water resources to the surrounding area.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources, Soda Lake is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with dam standards. The dam has a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in March 2020. Despite being a private structure, it plays a crucial role in water supply and irrigation for the region, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring.

With its proximity to Aromas and the oversight of state regulatory agencies like the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams, Soda Lake serves as a key water resource for the community. The dam's satisfactory condition, regular inspections, and emergency action plan preparedness demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of this essential infrastructure. As climate change impacts water resources and availability, maintaining and managing structures like Soda Lake will be crucial in safeguarding water supplies for the future.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

3686

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

Tr Pajaro River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

72

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

2631

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

44
       
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.