Diamond Valley Lake Forebay dam
Diamond Valley Lake Forebay
Diamond Valley Lake Forebay, located in Winchester, California, is a vital water resource facility primarily serving as a hydroelectric power source and water supply system. Completed in 1999, this earth dam structure stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet. Managed by the California Department of Water Resources, the forebay is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Diamond Valley Lake Forebay plays a crucial role in the water management infrastructure of Riverside County. The facility covers a surface area of 31 acres and has a drainage area of 0.13 square miles, making it a significant contributor to the region's water supply and hydroelectric power generation. The forebay's location along the Domenigoni Val Canal adds to its strategic importance in the local water network.
Overall, Diamond Valley Lake Forebay stands as a key component in the water resource landscape of California, providing essential services for both energy production and water distribution. With regular inspections and a solid emergency action plan, the forebay exemplifies a commitment to safety and efficiency in managing water resources in the region. Its presence underscores the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in addressing the challenges of climate change and population growth.
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.
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 Diamond Valley Lake Forebay -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Salt C A Murrieta Rd Nr Sun City Ca | · | → |
| San Jacinto R Nr Sun City Ca | · | → |
| Perris Valley Storm Dr A Nuevo Rd Nr Perris Ca | · | → |
| Warm Springs C Nr Murrieta Ca | 5 cfs | → |
| Santa Gertrudis C Nr Temecula Ca | · | → |
| San Jacinto R Nr Elsinore Ca | 0 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Diamond Valley Lake Forebay.
⚓ Boat launches
- Warren Road 37701, Temecula
- Goetz Road Riverside County
- Vacation Drive 28736, Canyon Lake
- Vail Lake Boat Ramp
- Anglers Landing, Mountain Center
⛺ Campgrounds
More campgrounds →🎣 Fishing spots
More fishing →Track Diamond Valley Lake Forebay in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Diamond Valley Lake Forebay
Where does the data for Diamond Valley Lake Forebay 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 Low 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Diamond Valley Lake Forebay.