Nacimiento Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nacimiento Reservoir is located in Monterey County, California and was formed by the Nacimiento Dam in 1957.


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Summary

The reservoir has a capacity of 377,900 acre-feet and serves primarily as a water source for the Salinas Valley, which is an important agricultural region in California. The reservoir's hydrology is primarily fed by surface flow from the Nacimiento River, as well as snowpack melt from the surrounding Santa Lucia Mountains. The reservoir is also used for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The surrounding terrain provides ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. The reservoir is managed by the Monterey County Water Resources Agency and is an important source of water for the region's agriculture and urban needs.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change -0.31%
Percent of Normal 273%
Minimum 33,473.0 acre-ft
2021-12-12
Maximum 360,636.0 acre-ft
2023-05-01
Average 104,201 acre-ft
Nid_Height 255
Hydraulic_Height 185
Drainage_Area 330
Year_Completed 1956
Dam_Height 210
Structural_Height 255
River_Or_Stream Nacimiento River
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Foundations Soil
Surface_Area 5400
Hazard_Potential High
Nid_Storage 470000
Dam_Length 1630
       
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.