San Diego officials consider spillway reduction or new construction for aging Lake Hodges Dam ahead of El Niño rains

Residents and downstream infrastructure face potential flood risks and water supply restrictions while the city weighs a $30 million to $50 million spillway reduction project against a $500 million dam replacement.

• •San Diego city officials unveiled plans to lower the Lake Hodges Dam spillway from 315 feet to 280 feet by removing a significant portion of the concrete structure.
• •The spillway reduction project is expected to cost between $30 million and $50 million and take seven years to complete.
• •The state's Division of Safety of Dams has identified Lake Hodges Dam as the worst dam in California, raising concerns over potential failure during an earthquake or severe event.
• •The water level at the dam is currently restricted to 280 feet to prevent loss of life downstream in the event of a failure.
• •City officials are studying a permanent replacement dam, with estimated costs reaching roughly $500 million and a construction timeline of seven to 10 years.
• •The San Diego County Water Authority has raised concerns regarding the estimated $500 million cost of building a replacement dam.
• •Restricted water levels have limited the region's water capture and storage, increasing reliance on more expensive water sources.
• •Additional information on the possibility of building a new dam is expected by spring.