Terminal dam
Terminal
Terminal, also known as Lopez Reservoir, is a local government-owned dam located in Arroyo Grande, California. Completed in 1969, this earth-type dam stands at 53 feet in height and has a storage capacity of 844 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is water supply, serving the surrounding area with a maximum discharge capacity. The dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Situated on the Tr Arroyo Grande stream, Terminal dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in San Luis Obispo County. With a hazard potential classified as high, the dam has undergone satisfactory condition assessments, last conducted in September 2017. Emergency action plans are in place, although the specifics of preparedness and risk management measures are not detailed in the available data. The dam's inspection frequency is set at 1 year, with the most recent inspection taking place in November 2020, showcasing a commitment to maintaining safety standards and compliance with regulatory agencies.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Terminal dam presents a fascinating case study of infrastructure designed to meet the water supply needs of a local community. Its strategic location, efficient design, and state-regulated operations highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate patterns and growing demands. As stakeholders continue to prioritize the safety and efficiency of water infrastructure like Terminal, this reservoir serves as a reminder of the critical role dams play in ensuring water security for communities in California and beyond.
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 Terminal -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lopez C Nr Arroyo Grande Ca | 3 cfs | → |
| Huasna R Nr Arroyo Grande Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Santa Maria R A Suey Crossing Nr Santa Maria Ca | · | → |
| Orcutt C Nr Orcutt Ca | 1 cfs | → |
| Cuyama R Bl Buckhorn Cyn Nr Santa Maria Ca | 12 cfs | → |
| Sisquoc R Nr Garey | · | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Terminal.
Campgrounds
- Lopez Lake Rec Area
- North Beach - Pismo State Beach
- Coastal Dunes Rv Park
- Oceano County
- Oceano Dunes State Veh Rec Area
- Indian Midden
Fishing spots
More reservoirs
Track Terminal 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 Terminal
Where does the data for Terminal 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 Terminal.