El Capitan
Key Takeaway
El Capitan is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 237 ft (taller than 96.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,170 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 112.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,562 acres |
| Drainage Area | 190 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1934 (92 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00111 |
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
City of San Diego
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 30 ftSan Vicente Storage Pond 3
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Significant Hazard 24 ftSan Vicente
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High Hazard 338 ftRutherford #2
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of El Capitan?
El Capitan 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 El Capitan?
El Capitan is owned by City of San Diego (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was El Capitan built?
El Capitan was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 El Capitan?
El Capitan serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is El Capitan?
El Capitan has a dam height of 237 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 El Capitan last inspected?
El Capitan was last inspected on September 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.