San Joaquin Reservoir
San Joaquin Reservoir is an earth dam located in Orange County, California, built in 1966. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About San Joaquin Reservoir
The primary purpose of San Joaquin Reservoir is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Irvine Ranch Water District (public utility). It impounds the Tr Bonita Creek near Newport Beach.
The dam stands 224 feet tall and stretches 873 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 50 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,036 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1966, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/07/2025.
At 224 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The California dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Orange |
| Nearest City | Newport Beach |
| River/Stream | Tr Bonita Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.62020, -117.84180 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 224 ft |
| Dam Height | 224 ft |
| Dam Length | 873 ft |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,036 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,036 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 50 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Irvine Ranch Water District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/07/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00853 |
| Federal ID | CA00853 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |