Olivenhain Dam

What if a dam could exist without a river? Here at the Olivenhain Dam, that seemingly impossible feat is a reality. The Olivenhain Dam, completed in 2003, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the ever-present need for water in Southern California. This isn’t your typical dam, nestled in a valley catching the flow of a mighty river. The Olivenhain Dam sits on a granite foundation, crafted from roller-compacted concrete. It’s a unique structure, the first of its kind in California. This dam doesn’t rely on a natural water source. Instead, it’s fed by a complex system of pumps and pipes, drawing water from other sources like Lake Hodges and the Second San Diego Aqueduct. The Olivenhain Dam is a key part of San Diego’s Emergency Storage Project. This project ensures a water supply for up to six months for the county’s residents, a vital lifeline in case of drought or disaster. Imagine the scale of this project. The dam itself is a colossal 318 feet high and 2,400 feet long. Its reservoir, the Olivenhain Reservoir, can hold a staggering 24,000 acre-feet of water. Creating this reservoir involved blasting and crushing the very granite on which the dam now stands. This material became part of the dam’s construction. Think of the workers, layering the compacted granite, 159 two-foot steps in total, like a giant, petrified cake. The construction of Olivenhain Dam represents an investment of $200 million, encompassing not only the dam itself but also a pump station and surrounding roads. This project, along with connecting Lake Hodges and San Vicente Reservoir, is a vital part of a larger $827 million emergency water supply system. Olivenhain Dam is more than just an engineering marvel. It’s surrounded by a 750-acre park, a place for recreation and enjoyment. While security plans continue to evolve, envision hiking around the reservoir, enjoying the view of this man-made oasis. The Olivenhain Dam stands as a symbol of foresight and innovation, ensuring water security for San Diego County.