Olivenhain
Olivenhain is a roller-compacted concrete dam located in San Diego County, California, built in 2003. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Olivenhain
The primary purpose of Olivenhain 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 San Diego County Water Authority (local government). It impounds the Tr Escondido Creek near Rancho Santa Fe.
The dam stands 309 feet tall and stretches 2,500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 203 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 24,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 2003, 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 05/28/2025.
At 309 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 | San Diego |
| Nearest City | Rancho Santa Fe |
| River/Stream | Tr Escondido Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.07200, -117.14160 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Roller-Compacted Concrete |
| NID Height | 309 ft |
| Dam Height | 309 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 2003 (23 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 24,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 24,900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 203 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | San Diego County Water Authority |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/28/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01454 |
| Federal ID | CA01454 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |