Edwards Reservoir
Edwards Reservoir is an earth dam located in Santa Barbara County, California, built in 1985. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Edwards Reservoir
The primary purpose of Edwards 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 Regents Of The University Of California (state). It impounds the Tr Gato Cr near In The Canyon Mostly.
The dam stands 120 feet tall and stretches 462 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 596 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1985, the structure is 41 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 04/29/2025.
At 120 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Santa Barbara |
| Nearest City | In The Canyon Mostly |
| River/Stream | Tr Gato Cr |
| Coordinates | 34.49040, -119.97850 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 120 ft |
| Dam Height | 120 ft |
| Dam Length | 462 ft |
| Year Completed | 1985 (41 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 596 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 596 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Regents of The University of California |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/29/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01240 |
| Federal ID | CA01240 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |