San Dieguito
San Dieguito is a multi-arch dam located in San Diego County, California, built in 1918. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About San Dieguito
San Dieguito is a dam in San Diego, California. The dam is owned by Santa Fe Irrigation And San Dieguito Water District (public utility). It impounds the Tr Escondido Cr near Rancho Santa Fe.
The dam stands 51 feet tall and stretches 650 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 56 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 883 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1918, the structure is over a century 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 08/22/2024.
At 51 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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 | San Diego |
| Nearest City | Rancho Santa Fe |
| River/Stream | Tr Escondido Cr |
| Coordinates | 33.04050, -117.19740 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Multi-Arch |
| NID Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 883 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 883 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 56 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Santa Fe Irrigation and San Dieguito Water District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/22/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00906 |
| Federal ID | CA00906 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |