Henshaw Reservoir Report

Nearby: Sutherland

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Henshaw Reservoir is located in San Diego County, California, and was constructed in 1923 by the San Diego Flume Company.


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Summary

The reservoir is fed by the Santa Rosa Creek and the San Luis Rey River, which are important sources of water for agricultural use in the region. Henshaw Reservoir also stores water for recreational purposes, including fishing and boating. The hydrology of the area is influenced by the seasonal precipitation, and the snowpack in the mountains, which melt and run into the reservoir. The surface flow is monitored by the San Diego County Water Authority and the California Department of Water Resources. The reservoir also serves as a habitat for several species of fish and bird.

Reservoir Details

24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Dam_Height 123
Hydraulic_Height 73
Drainage_Area 207
Year_Completed 1923
Nid_Storage 50000
Surface_Area 2000
Hazard_Potential High
River_Or_Stream San Luis Rey Rv
Dam_Length 650
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 123
       
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.