Mathews

Tr Cajalco Creek· Riverside, California· Built 1938· Earth· 264 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Mathews is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 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	264 ft (taller than 97.6% in CA)
Dam Length	6,522 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	182.0K acre-ft

Surface Area	2,750 acres
Drainage Area	40 sq mi
Year Completed	1938 (88 years old)
NID ID	CA00212

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: December 14, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Metropolitan Water District Of Southern California

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Harrison Street

Riverside, CA

High Hazard 50 ft

Mockingbird Canyon

Riverside, CA

High Hazard 74 ft

Silt Pond

Riverside, CA

High Hazard 25 ft

Lee Lake

Riverside, CA

High Hazard 47 ft

Fresh Water

Riverside, CA

High Hazard 17 ft

Cajalco Creek

Riverside, CA

Significant Hazard 46 ft

Woodcrest

Riverside, CA

High Hazard 44 ft

Prenda

Riverside, CA

High Hazard 44 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mathews?

Mathews 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 Mathews?

Mathews is owned by Metropolitan Water District Of Southern California (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mathews built?

Mathews was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Mathews?

Mathews serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mathews?

Mathews has a dam height of 264 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 Mathews last inspected?

Mathews was last inspected on December 14, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.