Lake Wohlford dam
Lake Wohlford
Lake Wohlford, located in Escondido, California, is a picturesque reservoir with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1924. Managed by the local government, this earth dam structure serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply. With a dam height of 100 feet and a storage capacity of 6950 acre-feet, Lake Wohlford plays a crucial role in providing water resources to the surrounding area.
Situated along the Escondido Creek, this reservoir covers an area of 225 acres and has a drainage area of 8 square miles. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Lake Wohlford is deemed to be in fair condition based on the most recent assessment in September 2017. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam, with the last inspection taking place in June 2020. Emergency action plans are in place to address any potential risks, highlighting the importance of proper management and maintenance of this vital water resource.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Wohlford offers a fascinating example of human-engineered infrastructure interacting with natural water systems. As a key component of the local water supply network, this reservoir serves as a critical resource for the region, supporting agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs. The ongoing monitoring and management of Lake Wohlford underscore the importance of sustainable water resource practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Lake Wohlford -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Guejito C Nr San Pasqual Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Santa Maria C Nr Ramona Ca | · | → |
| Santa Ysabel C Nr Ramona Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Los Penasquitos C Nr Poway Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Rainbow C Nr Fallbrook Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Temecula C Nr Aguanga Ca | · | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Wohlford.
Boat launches
- Lake Hodges Boat Launching Area
- Sutherland Dam Road 21568-21722, Ramona
- Highway 76 26439, Santa Ysabel
- Lake Miramar
- Vail Lake Boat Ramp
- Mission Bay Drive San Diego
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Confluence Of Fry And Iron Spring Creeks (E1/2, Sec 3, T10s,R1e To Se1/4 Sec 16, T10s, R2e
- Forest Boundary, Above Zoo Creek Below Spillway (S1/2, Sec 3, T11s, R2e) To La Jolla Indian Reservation Boundary (N1/2, Sec 31, T10s, R2e)
- Santa Margarita River
- Devil Canyon Tributary To San Mateo Creek
- Crouch Ranch To Morena Reservoir
More reservoirs
Track Lake Wohlford 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 Lake Wohlford
Where does the data for Lake Wohlford 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 Lake Wohlford.