San Diego Reservoir
Key Takeaway
San Diego Reservoir is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1860 and is 166 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 | 39 ft (taller than 44.4% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 155 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 40 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1860 (166 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00900 |
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
Yosemite Community College District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Phoenix
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High Hazard 52 ftStevenot
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High Hazard 70 ftQuartz
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Low Hazard 104 ftStanislaus Forebay East
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Low Hazard 55 ftMurphys Wastewater
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High Hazard 24 ftAndrew Cademartori
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High Hazard 80 ftMurphys Forebay West
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High Hazard 67 ftForest Meadows
Calaveras, CA
Low Hazard 60 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of San Diego Reservoir?
San Diego 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 San Diego Reservoir?
San Diego Reservoir is owned by Yosemite Community College District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was San Diego Reservoir built?
San Diego Reservoir was completed in 1860, making it 166 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 San Diego Reservoir?
San Diego Reservoir serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is San Diego Reservoir?
San Diego Reservoir has a dam height of 39 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 San Diego Reservoir last inspected?
San Diego Reservoir was last inspected on January 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.