Runkle dam
Runkle
Runkle, a key flood risk reduction structure located in Ventura, California, serves as a vital component in managing water resources in the region. Built in 1949, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, providing crucial protection against potential flooding events. The dam, situated along Runkle Canyon, is under state regulation and inspection, ensuring its safety and effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding areas from water-related hazards.
Managed by the local government in Simi Valley, Runkle Dam plays a critical role in mitigating flood risks in the region, with a hazard potential rated as high. Despite this, the dam is assessed to be in satisfactory condition, last inspected in September 2020. Its emergency action plan (EAP) is up to date, meeting guidelines for effective emergency response in case of any unforeseen events. With a focus on flood risk reduction, Runkle Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in California.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Runkle Dam showcases the intersection of infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness in safeguarding communities from potential water-related disasters. With its strategic location along Runkle Canyon and its role in flood risk reduction, Runkle Dam stands as a symbol of the ongoing efforts to manage water resources effectively in California. As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by climate change, structures like Runkle Dam play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and resilience of our water systems for future generations.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Runkle -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara R Nr Piru Ca | 59 cfs | → |
| Piru Creek Below Santa Felicia Dam Ca | 35 cfs | → |
| Los Angeles R A Sepulveda Dam Ca | 60 cfs | → |
| Sespe C Nr Fillmore | 40 cfs | → |
| Calleguas C Nr Camarillo Ca | 6 cfs | → |
| Piru Creek Above Lake Piru Ca | 31 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Runkle.
Boat launches
- Piru Canyon Road 4780, Castaic
- Lake Hughes Road Castaic
- Interstate 5, Lebec
- Vacquero Boating And Picnic Site
- Vista Del Lago Road 21, Lebec
- Pyramid Lake Road, Lebec
Campgrounds
- Tapo Canyon Co Park
- Oak Park
- Malibu Creek - State Park
- Malibu Creek Family
- Malibu Creek Group Walk-In
- Camp Summertime
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Headwaters In The Santa Monica Mountains To Mouth At Pacific Ocean
- Lower Piru Creek (Oulet At Pyramid Reservoir) To Piru Reservoir
- Site Of St Francis Dam Disaster To Seco Canyon At The Nf Boundary
- Castaic To Pyramid Reservoir
- Green Valley At The Nf Boundary To Site Of St Francis Dam Disaster
- Confluence With Gold Hill Creek To Castaic
More reservoirs
Track Runkle in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Runkle
Where does the data for Runkle come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Runkle.