El Capitan Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

El Capitan Dam, located in San Diego County, California, was built in the 1930s as a hydroelectric facility.


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Summary

It is a concrete gravity dam that stands at 237 feet tall and 1,600 feet long. The dam serves as a surface water storage facility that can hold up to 112,800 acre-feet of water. The hydrology surrounding the dam is primarily fed by the San Diego River, which is reliant on snowpack melt from surrounding mountains. The dam provides water to the San Diego County Water Authority, which serves over 3.3 million residents. Additionally, the water is used for recreational purposes such as fishing, boating, and camping. The surrounding agricultural community also benefits from the water supply provided by the dam.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change -0.04%
Percent of Normal 121%
Minimum 24,853.0 acre-ft
2022-11-01
Maximum 59,525.0 acre-ft
2023-04-05
Average 29,293 acre-ft
Nid_Height 237
Hydraulic_Height 217
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Drainage_Area 190
Year_Completed 1934
Dam_Height 237
Surface_Area 1562
Nid_Storage 112800
River_Or_Stream San Diego River
Dam_Length 1170
Hazard_Potential High
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
Inflow Levels

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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Area Campgrounds