Loveland Dam, Arch dam in San Diego County, United States

Loveland Dam is an arch dam spanning the Sweetwater River using a curved concrete design to hold back water. The structure creates a reservoir that supplies water resources to the San Diego County area.

The dam was completed in 1945 by the California Water and Telephone Corporation to address regional water storage needs. It was constructed to provide better flood control and ensure reliable water supply for the area.

The reservoir formed by the dam provides recreational fishing opportunities for residents and visitors throughout San Diego County.

Loveland Dam sits 2.4 miles (3.9 km) south of Alpine, reached by road along the Sweetwater River gorge; the reservoir is open to the public for fishing. The dam is a concrete thin-arch structure 203 feet (62 m) high and 765 feet (233 m) across, so the crest and abutments are best viewed from the surrounding slopes rather than from below.

The reservoir is smaller than the nearby Sweetwater Reservoir, meaning less water is lost to evaporation in the dry California climate. This design efficiency makes it a practical water storage solution for the local area.