Salinas Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Salinas Dam, also known as Santa Margarita Lake, is a concrete arch dam located on the Salinas River in San Luis Obispo, California.


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Summary

Built in 1941 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam serves as a critical water supply source with a storage capacity of 43,200 acre-feet and a normal storage of 26,000 acre-feet. With a height of 135 feet and a spillway width of 100 feet, Salinas Dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction and water supply for the region.

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Salinas Dam has a high hazard potential and is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's risk management measures include continuous monitoring, prioritized maintenance activities, and collaboration with local emergency managers to develop emergency action plans and raise public awareness. Despite the dam's efforts to mitigate flood risks, it is important to acknowledge that dams do not eliminate all risks, especially during severe weather events that may lead to dam releases or overwhelm the system.

Overall, Salinas Dam stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience. As a key component of the region's infrastructure, the dam exemplifies the importance of proactive risk management and collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard water resources and communities from potential emergencies.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

305

Dam Height

135

River Or Stream

SALINAS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

793

Hydraulic Height

129

Drainage Area

111

Nid Storage

43200

Outlet Gates

Valve - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

135
       
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.