Calavera
Calavera is an earth dam located in San Diego County, California, built in 1940. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Calavera
The primary purpose of Calavera 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 Carlsbad Municipal Water District (public utility). It impounds the Calavera Creek near Carlsbad.
The dam stands 67 feet tall and stretches 490 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 35 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 520 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1940, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 04/23/2025.
At 67 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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 | San Diego |
| Nearest City | Carlsbad |
| River/Stream | Calavera Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.16990, -117.28730 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 67 ft |
| Dam Height | 67 ft |
| Dam Length | 490 ft |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 520 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 520 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Carlsbad Municipal Water District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/23/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00781 |
| Federal ID | CA00781 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |