Mt. Woodson
Key Takeaway
Mt. Woodson is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 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 | 38 ft (taller than 43.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,130 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 30 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00877 |
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
Ramona Municipal Water District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Ramona
San Diego, CA
High Hazard 228 ftSanta Maria
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High Hazard 25 ftPoway
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High Hazard 162 ftSan Vicente
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High Hazard 338 ftBernardo Reservoir
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High Hazard 54 ftSan Vicente Storage Pond 3
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Significant Hazard 24 ftSan Vicente Storage Pond 2
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High Hazard 30 ftUpper 4s Ranch
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Low Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mt. Woodson?
Mt. Woodson 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 Mt. Woodson?
Mt. Woodson is owned by Ramona Municipal Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mt. Woodson built?
Mt. Woodson was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Mt. Woodson?
Mt. Woodson 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 Mt. Woodson?
Mt. Woodson has a dam height of 38 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 Mt. Woodson last inspected?
Mt. Woodson was last inspected on April 24, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.