Gibraltar Dam, Arch dam in Santa Barbara County, United States
Gibraltar Dam spans 320 feet across the Santa Ynez River, reaching a height of 100 feet within the Los Padres National Forest mountains.
The construction of Gibraltar Dam started in 1913 and reached completion in 1920, marking the first structure to control the Santa Ynez River flow.
The dam received its name from the Gibraltar mercury mine that operated in the vicinity from the 1870s through 1990.
The reservoir currently maintains a capacity of 4,314 acre-feet, supplying 30 percent of Santa Barbara's municipal water needs through the Mission Tunnel.
Two debris barriers were constructed upstream to reduce sediment accumulation, yet the reservoir continues to experience substantial capacity reduction over time.
Location: Santa Barbara County
GPS coordinates: 34.52690,-119.68700
Latest update: March 6, 2025 19:32
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