Plan Ready in Case San Diego Received Heavy Rainfall this Season
The City of San Diego may release water from Hodges Reservoir into San Dieguito River in the coming months if rain events raise the water level above the permitted level.
For safety reasons, the California Division of Safety of Dams has determined that the water level at Hodges Reservoir should not be above 295 feet, which is 20 feet below spillway elevation, or the top of the dam. If the water level exceeds that measurement or nears that measurement when rain is forecast, City officials will likely open valves at the dam for a controlled release of some of the water. The released water will enter San Dieguito River and eventually the Pacific Ocean.
City officials will monitor weather forecasts, rainfall and the water level at Hodges Reservoir to determine when releases would be necessary. The City will announce via news release and social media any planned water release from the reservoir to notify other jurisdictions that may be affected downstream. Announcements will also be posted here.
Hodges Reservoir was created with the building of Hodges Dam on San Dieguito Creek in 1918. Operated and maintained by the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department, the reservoir currently serves the San Dieguito Water District and Santa Fe Irrigation District as well as the City of San Diego.
The City is finalizing plans for improvements to Hodges Dam. The state has determined it safe with the restricted water level.
