Quail dam
Quail
Quail, also known as the Peace Valley Pipeline Intake, is a crucial water resource infrastructure in California's Los Angeles County. Managed by the state, this water supply structure serves the primary purpose of providing water for both hydroelectric and general water supply needs. Completed in 1981, Quail is an Earth-type dam standing at 50 feet tall, with a hydraulic height of 37 feet and a structural height of 42 feet. With a storage capacity of 8,613 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 7,440 acre-feet, Quail plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.
Located in the city of Piru, Quail is situated along the West Branch of the CA Aqueduct. Its high hazard potential and risk assessment classification of "High (2)" underscore the importance of proper maintenance and oversight. While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Available," regular inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ensure its operational integrity. With no spillway, Quail relies on its design and structural features to manage water flow effectively. The presence of associated structures or locks is not applicable, emphasizing the simplicity and efficiency of this essential water supply infrastructure.
As a key component of the water management system in the region, Quail serves as a critical link in ensuring reliable water supply and supporting hydroelectric operations. With a significant storage capacity and strategic location, it plays a vital role in meeting the water needs of the surrounding communities. Despite its high hazard potential, ongoing inspections and risk management measures by regulatory agencies help maintain the safety and effectiveness of this essential water resource infrastructure.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Quail -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Piru C Ab Frenchmans Flat Ca | 16 cfs | → |
| Piru Creek Above Lake Piru Ca | 30 cfs | → |
| Piru Creek Below Santa Felicia Dam Ca | 35 cfs | → |
| Sespe C Nr Fillmore | 40 cfs | → |
| Santa Clara R Nr Piru Ca | 57 cfs | → |
| Sespe Creek Near Wheeler Springs Ca | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Quail .
Boat launches
- Pyramid Lake Road, Lebec
- Vista Del Lago Road 21, Lebec
- Vacquero Boating And Picnic Site
- Interstate 5, Lebec
- Piru Canyon Road 4780, Castaic
- Lake Hughes Road Castaic
Campgrounds
- Quail Canyon Ohv Dispersed
- Los Alamos
- Los Alamos Campground
- Pyramid Lake--Los Alamos Group Campground
- Hungry Valley State Veh Rec Area
- Cs 0508, Horse Camping
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Castaic To Pyramid Reservoir
- Confluence With Gold Hill Creek To Castaic
- Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Gold Hill Creek
- Lower Piru Creek (Oulet At Pyramid Reservoir) To Piru Reservoir
- Site Of St Francis Dam Disaster To Seco Canyon At The Nf Boundary
- Green Valley At The Nf Boundary To Site Of St Francis Dam Disaster
Track Quail in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Quail
Where does the data for Quail come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Quail .