Morena
Key Takeaway
Morena is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 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 | 181 ft (taller than 93.3% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 550 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 50.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,475 acres |
| Drainage Area | 114 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00110 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Morena?
Morena 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 Morena?
Morena is owned by City of San Diego (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Morena built?
Morena was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Morena?
Morena 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 Morena?
Morena has a dam height of 181 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 Morena last inspected?
Morena was last inspected on September 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.