Portola
Portola is an earth dam located in Orange County, California, built in 1980. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Portola
The primary purpose of Portola 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 Santa Margarita Water District (public utility). It impounds the Canada Gobernadora near Coto De Caza.
The dam stands 53 feet tall and stretches 1,200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 20 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 586 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1980, the structure is 46 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 04/03/2025.
At 53 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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 | Coto De Caza |
| River/Stream | Canada Gobernadora |
| Coordinates | 33.63070, -117.58360 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 53 ft |
| Dam Height | 53 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 586 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 586 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Santa Margarita Water District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/03/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01183 |
| Federal ID | CA01183 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |