Lake Mission Viejo
Key Takeaway
Lake Mission Viejo is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 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 | 123 ft (taller than 86.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,750 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 150 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
| NID ID | CA01122 |
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
Lake Mission Viejo Association, Inc.
Private
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High Hazard 36 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Mission Viejo?
Lake Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo?
Lake Mission Viejo is owned by Lake Mission Viejo Association, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Mission Viejo built?
Lake Mission Viejo was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Mission Viejo?
Lake Mission Viejo serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Mission Viejo?
Lake Mission Viejo has a dam height of 123 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 Mission Viejo last inspected?
Lake Mission Viejo was last inspected on January 20, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.