Cuyamaca
Key Takeaway
Cuyamaca is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1887 and is 139 years old. Its primary use is other. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 40 ft (taller than 46.3% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 665 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 11.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 976 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1887 (139 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00234 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Helix Water District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cuyamaca?
Cuyamaca is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Cuyamaca?
Cuyamaca is owned by Helix Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cuyamaca built?
Cuyamaca was completed in 1887, making it 139 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Cuyamaca?
Cuyamaca serves the following purposes: Other, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cuyamaca?
Cuyamaca has a dam height of 40 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Cuyamaca last inspected?
Cuyamaca was last inspected on March 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.