Santa Maria
Key Takeaway
Santa Maria is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1995 and is 31 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 | 25 ft (taller than 23.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 2,240 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 217 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1995 (31 years old) |
| NID ID | CA01354 |
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
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High Hazard 116 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Santa Maria?
Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria?
Santa Maria is owned by Ramona Municipal Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Santa Maria built?
Santa Maria was completed in 1995, making it 31 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 Santa Maria?
Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria?
Santa Maria has a dam height of 25 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 Santa Maria last inspected?
Santa Maria was last inspected on September 23, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.