San Vicente Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

San Vicente is a reservoir located in San Diego County, California, USA.


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Summary

The dam was constructed in 1943, and it is the largest in the county, standing at 220 feet tall and 1.5 miles long. The reservoir has a capacity of over 90,000 acre-feet of water, which is primarily used to supply drinking water to the San Diego region. The hydrology of San Vicente is complex, with a combination of surface flow from nearby mountain streams and snowpack melt providing the water source. The San Diego County Water Authority manages the reservoir, while the San Diego County Water District operates the hydroelectric power plant located at the dam. The area surrounding San Vicente is mainly agricultural, with citrus and avocado crops dominating the landscape. Recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change -0.23%
Percent of Normal 144%
Minimum 129,441.0 acre-ft
2023-01-04
Maximum 223,881.0 acre-ft
2024-05-07
Average 146,961 acre-ft
Dam_Height 338
Hydraulic_Height 324.5
Drainage_Area 74.2
Year_Completed 1943
Nid_Storage 245000
Surface_Area 1675
River_Or_Stream San Vicente Creek
Dam_Length 1425
Hazard_Potential High
Primary_Dam_Type Roller-Compacted Concrete
Nid_Height 338
       
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.