Dove Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dove Canyon is a private dam located in Orange County, California, specifically in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1989, this earth dam stands at a height of 88 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, irrigation, recreation, and water supply. The reservoir created by Dove Canyon has a storage capacity of 415 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres, drawing water from the nearby Dove Creek.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources, Dove Canyon is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced upon to ensure its safety and functionality. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections and emergency action planning to mitigate risks and protect the surrounding community. The dam plays a crucial role in managing flood risks in the area and providing essential water resources for various purposes.

Surrounded by the picturesque landscape of Orange County, Dove Canyon is not only a vital infrastructure for water management but also a recreational spot for locals and visitors alike. With its strategic location in the Los Angeles District and under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency, the dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in California.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

88

River Or Stream

Dove Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

78

Drainage Area

0.96

Nid Storage

415

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

88
       
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.