El Capitan Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids El Capitan Reservoir |
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The reservoir and dam
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 El Capitan Reservoir
Location in California
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| Location | San Diego County, California |
| Coordinates | 32°53′08″N 116°48′33″W / 32.88556°N 116.80917°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | San Diego River |
| Primary outflows | San Diego River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Water volume | 112,800 acre-feet (139,100,000 m3) |
El Capitan Reservoir is a large reservoir in central San Diego County, California. It is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains, about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of the city of San Diego. The town of Alpine is just two miles northwest.
This important reservoir was created by the El Capitan Dam on the San Diego River. Its main purpose is to supply drinking water to the people of San Diego. The dam was completed in 1934. It can hold a huge amount of water, about 112,800 acre-feet (139,100,000 m3). The city of San Diego owns the dam, but it's good to remember that the land originally belonged to the Kumeyaay tribe.
Contents
How the Reservoir Works
Water Supply and Levels
The amount of water flowing into El Capitan Reservoir changes a lot each year. Sometimes, there's a lot of rain and runoff. Other times, especially during droughts, there's very little. When there isn't enough rain, water can be moved to El Capitan from another reservoir called San Vicente Reservoir. This helps make sure there's always enough water for everyone.
Keeping the Dam Safe
The dam at El Capitan is very strong and important for safety. Engineers regularly check the dam to make sure it can handle different conditions. For example, after a big earthquake in 1971, rules were put in place to keep the water level a bit lower than the very top of the dam. This extra space helps protect the dam if there's a strong earthquake. It allows for temporary storage of extra water during big storms, too. This way, the dam stays safe and continues to provide water reliably.
Fun Things to Do at El Capitan Reservoir
Boating and Water Sports
El Capitan Reservoir is a great place for outdoor activities. You can go boating and water skiing here. These activities are usually available from May through October. If you have a Personal water craft, like a jet ski, you need to use it in a special area. The long, narrow northern part of the lake is open for watercraft only on Sundays.
Fishing and Nature
Fishing is a popular activity at the reservoir and is allowed all year round. You might even spot some amazing wildlife, like an Osprey flying overhead looking for fish! While there's no camping right at El Capitan Lake, you can find a camping site about 10 miles (16 km) away at Lake Jennings.
