Twitchell Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Twitchell is a Federal-owned dam located in Santa Barbara, California, along the Cuyama River.


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Summary

Built in 1958 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this Earth-type dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, irrigation, and other purposes. With a height of 241 feet and a storage capacity of 398,120 acre-feet, Twitchell plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam has a spillway width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 26,350 cubic feet per second, highlighting its importance in flood control and water management. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Twitchell is currently not available. With a risk assessment rating of moderate, the dam continues to be monitored and inspected regularly by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure its safety and functionality in the face of changing climate conditions and water resource management challenges.

Twitchell's strategic location and significant storage capacity make it a key asset in California's water infrastructure, contributing to flood risk reduction and irrigation needs in the region. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, ongoing monitoring and management of Twitchell will be essential to adapt to evolving challenges and ensure the sustainable use of water resources for the surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1804

Dam Height

241

River Or Stream

CUYAMA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9448

Hydraulic Height

207

Drainage Area

1135

Nid Storage

398120

Structural Height

241

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

241
       
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.
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