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