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