Lake Hodges
Key Takeaway
Lake Hodges is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 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 | 131 ft (taller than 87.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 729 ft |
| Dam Type | Multi-Arch |
| Max Storage | 37.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,317 acres |
| Drainage Area | 303 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00108 |
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
Santa Fe Seasonal Storage
San Diego, CA
High Hazard 22 ftOlivenhain
San Diego, CA
High Hazard 309 ft4-S Ranch Reclamation Reservoir
San Diego, CA
High Hazard 22 ftUpper 4s Ranch
San Diego, CA
Low Hazard 28 ftBernardo Reservoir
San Diego, CA
High Hazard 54 ftBlack Mountain Water Tank
San Diego, CA
High Hazard 55 ftFairbanks
San Diego, CA
High Hazard 36 ftSan Dieguito
San Diego, CA
High Hazard 51 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Hodges?
Lake Hodges 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 Lake Hodges?
Lake Hodges is owned by City of San Diego (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Hodges built?
Lake Hodges was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Lake Hodges?
Lake Hodges 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 Lake Hodges?
Lake Hodges has a dam height of 131 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 Lake Hodges last inspected?
Lake Hodges was last inspected on February 15, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.