Gibraltar
Key Takeaway
Gibraltar is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 | 169 ft (taller than 92.5% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 10.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 335 acres |
| Drainage Area | 214 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00138 |
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 Santa Barbara
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Gibraltar?
Gibraltar 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 Gibraltar?
Gibraltar is owned by City of Santa Barbara (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Gibraltar built?
Gibraltar was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Gibraltar?
Gibraltar serves the following purposes: Other, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Gibraltar?
Gibraltar has a dam height of 169 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 Gibraltar last inspected?
Gibraltar was last inspected on April 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.