The lake was created in 1969 with the construction of a dam in Arroyo Grande Creek. The primary purpose of the reservoir is to provide drinking water for the area, with additional benefits such as flood control and recreational activities. The hydrology of the lake is influenced by its location in a Mediterranean climate zone, with most of the precipitation occurring during the winter months. The lake is fed by both surface flow and snowpack from the surrounding hills. The area around the lake is primarily used for agriculture, including vineyards and orchards, as well as recreational activities such as camping, boating, and fishing.
| Storage 24hr Change | -0.04% |
| Percent of Normal | 371% |
| Minimum |
469.0 acre-ft
2022-01-13 |
| Maximum |
237,180.0 acre-ft
2023-02-17 |
| Average | 13,088 acre-ft |
| Dam_Height | 166 |
| Hydraulic_Height | 150 |
| Drainage_Area | 68 |
| Year_Completed | 1969 |
| Nid_Storage | 52500 |
| Primary_Dam_Type | Earth |
| River_Or_Stream | Arroyo Grande Cr |
| Surface_Area | 950 |
| Hazard_Potential | High |
| Dam_Length | 1120 |
| Nid_Height | 166 |
Lopez C Nr Arroyo Grande Ca
|
20cfs |
Huasna R Nr Arroyo Grande Ca
|
47cfs |
Santa Maria R A Suey Crossing Nr Santa Maria Ca
|
2190cfs |
Cuyama R Bl Buckhorn Cyn Nr Santa Maria Ca
|
1130cfs |
Orcutt C Nr Orcutt Ca
|
3cfs |
Sisquoc R Nr Garey
|
2580cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lopez Lake Rec Area
|
||
Hi Mountain
|
||
Hi Mountain Campground
|
||
Buckeye Camp
|
||
North Beach - Pismo State Beach
|
||
Sapwi
|