Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam

PILGRIM CREEK· San Diego, California· Built 1973· Earth· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 6.7% in CA)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage107 acre-ft
Normal Storage32 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area12 sq mi
Year Completed1973 (53 years old)
NID IDCA10132

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 7, 2021
State Regulated: No

Ownership

DOD USMC

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam?

Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam?

Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam is owned by DOD USMC (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam built?

Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam?

Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam?

Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam last inspected?

Pilgrim Creek Lake Dam was last inspected on September 7, 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.