Matilija Dam, Concrete arch dam in Ventura County, US.
Matilija Dam is a concrete arch dam in Ventura County that spans 620 feet in length and rises 168 feet above the Ventura River. The structure manages water storage and flood control across the watershed.
The dam was constructed in 1947 and has accumulated about 8 million cubic yards of sediment since its completion. This buildup has reduced the original water storage capacity from roughly 7,000 acre-feet to less than 500.
Painted scissors graffiti from 2011 covers the structure and has become a symbol of the local movement for dam removal. This visible artwork reflects the community's connection to the site and its future transformation.
The site can be viewed from nearby vantage points along the river where visitors can photograph and observe the structure from different angles. The best time to visit is during drier months when access roads are most passable.
A dam removal project will restore river access to endangered Southern California steelhead trout along about 17 miles of habitat. This restoration plan makes it an important site for observing habitat recovery efforts in the region.
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