Casitas Saddle Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Casitas Saddle Dike, located in Ventura, California, is a Federal-owned earth dam built in 1959 with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

The dam stands at 43 feet tall and stretches 1550 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 287,000 acre-feet on Coyote Creek. Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, the dam also serves recreational and water supply purposes, covering a surface area of 2720 acres and having a drainage area of 39 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Casitas Saddle Dike has a moderate risk assessment score of 3, indicating the need for risk management measures to be put in place. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 7400 cubic feet per second. With regular inspections conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation, the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, emphasizing the importance of safety and emergency preparedness protocols for the surrounding community in Oak View.

As a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region, Casitas Saddle Dike plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water and recreational opportunities while ensuring the safety and security of the local residents. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance by the Bureau of Reclamation, the dam remains a key component of the water supply system in Ventura County, demonstrating the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

1550

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

COYOTE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2720

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

39

Nid Storage

287000

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

43
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.