Upper Chiquita
Upper Chiquita is an earth dam located in Orange County, California, built in 2012. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Upper Chiquita
The primary purpose of Upper Chiquita 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 Trib To San Juan Creek near Rancho Santa Margarita.
The dam stands 177 feet tall and stretches 965 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 753 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 2012, the structure is relatively new.
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 177 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 | Rancho Santa Margarita |
| River/Stream | Trib To San Juan Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.58830, -117.61560 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 177 ft |
| Dam Height | 177 ft |
| Dam Length | 965 ft |
| Year Completed | 2012 (14 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 753 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 753 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 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 | CA01553 |
| Federal ID | CA01553 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |