Matilija
Key Takeaway
Matilija is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 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 | 163 ft (taller than 91.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 620 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 86 acres |
| Drainage Area | 55 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00312 |
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
Ventura County Watershed Protection District
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Matilija?
Matilija 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 Matilija?
Matilija is owned by Ventura County Watershed Protection District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Matilija built?
Matilija was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Matilija?
Matilija serves the following purposes: Other, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Matilija?
Matilija has a dam height of 163 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 Matilija last inspected?
Matilija was last inspected on July 11, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.