Beck Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beck dam, located in San Diego, California, is a vital component of the state's water supply system, with a primary purpose of providing water for the region.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1983, stands at a height of 95 feet and has a storage capacity of 625 acre-feet. With a hazard potential classified as high, the dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of surrounding communities.

Managed by a public utility, Beck dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and the Safety of Dams agency. The dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017 and undergoes inspections every year. In case of emergencies, an emergency action plan is in place, with the last revision dated December 2020. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its importance in providing water for the area cannot be understated.

Beck dam's location offstream and high hazard potential highlight the critical role it plays in water resource management in California. With its significant storage capacity and strategic position, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for water supply in the region, underlining the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the continued availability of water resources for the community.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

3500

Dam Height

95

River Or Stream

offsream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16.2

Hydraulic Height

91

Drainage Area

0.03

Nid Storage

625

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

95
       
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.