Orange County Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Orange County Reservoir is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 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 | 103 ft (taller than 82.8% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 655 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 217 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00218 |
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
Metropolitan Water District Of Southern California
Public Utility
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High Hazard 45 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Orange County Reservoir?
Orange County Reservoir 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 Orange County Reservoir?
Orange County Reservoir 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 Orange County Reservoir built?
Orange County Reservoir was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Orange County Reservoir?
Orange County Reservoir 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 Orange County Reservoir?
Orange County Reservoir has a dam height of 103 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 Orange County Reservoir last inspected?
Orange County Reservoir was last inspected on August 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.