Lower Stehly Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Stehly is a private dam located in Valley Center, California, along Tr Keys Creek.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at 60 feet high with a hydraulic height of 52.9 feet, serving primarily for irrigation and water supply purposes. With a storage capacity of 287 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in the water management system of the region.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources and under state regulation, Lower Stehly has a high hazard potential but is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in September 2017. The dam undergoes regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in February 2021. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a vital role in the local water supply infrastructure.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Lower Stehly to be an intriguing structure, contributing to the water supply and irrigation needs of San Diego County. As a privately owned dam with state oversight, it showcases the importance of infrastructure maintenance and monitoring in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

Tr Keys Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

52.9

Nid Storage

287

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

60
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.