Barrett Dam, Gravity dam in San Diego County, US

Barrett Dam is a gravity dam in San Diego County that holds back water on Cottonwood Creek. The structure captures and stores water for the surrounding region in southern California.

San Diego constructed the dam between 1919 and 1923 after acquiring water infrastructure from Southern California Mountain Water Company in 1913. This project became a key step in securing the city's water supply during its growth.

The name comes from George Barrett, who homesteaded the valley in the 1870s, before any dam stood here. The first structure on the site was a 20-foot concrete diversion dam built in the 1890s by the Southern California Mountain Water Company to feed a wooden flume, the first Dulzura Conduit, running 12 miles west to Lower Otay Reservoir.

Access to the site is restricted and requires advance planning before your visit. Check conditions ahead of time since visiting rules and seasons affect when you can explore the area.

The dam features a stepped overflow spillway with gates that open during winter months to manage heavy rainfall. This system automatically protects downstream areas from flooding without requiring constant human monitoring.