Melrose Avenue Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Melrose Avenue is a private dam located in Carlsbad, California, along the San Marcos Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1998, this earth dam stands at a height of 57 feet and has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial infrastructure to manage water resources in the region. The dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a high hazard potential, Melrose Avenue dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of its last assessment in September 2017. The dam is equipped with emergency action plans to mitigate risks in case of a potential breach, although specific details on this aspect are not readily available. The dam's location in San Diego County, under the jurisdiction of the state of California, highlights the importance of its role in safeguarding the local area from potential flooding events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Melrose Avenue to be an essential component of the region's infrastructure, contributing to flood risk management and water storage capabilities.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

57

River Or Stream

Tr San Marcos Crk

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

40.6

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

57
       
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.