Prado Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Prado Dam is a concrete gravity dam located on the Santa Ana River in Riverside County, California.


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Summary

It was completed in 1941 and stands at a height of 106 feet. The dam is responsible for regulating the water flow of the Santa Ana River, which is the largest river in Southern California. The hydrology of the area is heavily influenced by snowpack and surface flow from the San Gabriel Mountains and San Bernardino Mountains. The dam provides water for various agricultural uses in the region as well as for recreational purposes at nearby parks and reservoirs. The area around the dam is also home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species like the Santa Ana sucker fish.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change -11.43%
Percent of Normal 503%
Minimum 1.0 acre-ft
2004-05-15
Maximum 100,443.0 acre-ft
2005-01-11
Average 8,152 acre-ft
Dam_Height 106
Hydraulic_Height 86
Drainage_Area 2255
Year_Completed 1941
Nid_Storage 295581
River_Or_Stream SANTA ANA RIVER
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Surface_Area 1
Hazard_Potential High
Outlet_Gates Vertical Lift - 0
Dam_Length 2280
Nid_Height 106
       
Seasonal Comparison
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Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
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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.