Prado Dam - Housing Dike Dam
Prado Dam - Housing Dike
The Prado Dam - Housing Dike, also known as the Prado Reservoir, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located on the Santa Ana River in Orange, California. Completed in 1941 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 28 feet and has a length of 2,280 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 295,581 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2,233 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and preventing flooding in the region.
Managed and funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the primary purpose of the Prado Dam is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits including recreation and water supply. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 1,000 feet and has a hazard potential rated as high. To mitigate risks, the USACE continually monitors the dam's condition, engages with local emergency managers, and updates emergency action plans regularly. Despite its risk management measures, the dam faces challenges during severe weather events that can lead to increased water inflow, necessitating careful management to prevent structural integrity issues.
In conclusion, the Prado Dam - Housing Dike serves as a critical infrastructure for flood protection and water resource management in Riverside County, California. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the dam's role in managing flood risks becomes increasingly important, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding communities.
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 Prado Dam - Housing Dike -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Temescal C Ab Main St A Corona Ca | 1 cfs | → |
| Santa Ana R Bl Prado Dam Ca | 84 cfs | → |
| Cucamonga C Nr Mira Loma Ca | 21 cfs | → |
| Chino C A Schaefer Avenue Nr Chino Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| San Antonio C A Riverside Dr Nr Chino Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Temescal C A Corona Lk Nr Corona Ca | · | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Prado Dam - Housing Dike.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Prado Dam - Housing Dike
Where does the data for Prado Dam - Housing Dike 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 below 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.
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.