Brief
California audit finds 57 dams in poor condition ahead of El Niño winter
The audit warns that failing dams could endanger up to 1.5 million residents and cause $265 billion in damage.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The state auditor released a report on Monday showing that 57 California dams are in poor or unsatisfactory condition as an El Niño winter approaches, raising concerns about public safety in the Bay Area, San Diego and Los Angeles.
What happened
The audit, covering data up to May 2026, identified 57 dams rated poorly, up from earlier counts. Forty of the riskiest dams are classified as high or extremely high hazard and are clustered near densely populated coastal cities. The report estimates that a failure of these dams could affect as many as 1.5 million people and cause more than $265 billion in economic damage.
What the reports add
According to the Los Angeles Times, lawmakers gave the California Department of Water Resources enforcement powers in 2017 after the 2017 Oroville spillway failure, but water managers have not used those powers. The audit notes that state engineers have referred owners of 44 dams for enforcement as of April 2026, yet no punitive actions have been taken.
What was said
The auditor warned that “the dams continue to pose a risk to public safety,” and noted that many owners lack funds for repairs because state law never required them to set aside money for maintenance.
How it came about
The issue traces back to the 2017 legislation that empowered the Department of Water Resources to impose penalties such as reservoir restrictions, property liens and fines. The audit highlights that, despite these powers, enforcement has been absent, and aging infrastructure—most dams were built under older safety standards—remains vulnerable as the state prepares for an El Niño-driven wet season.
Key facts
- 57 dams are in poor or unsatisfactory condition as of May 2026. (latimes.com)
- 40 of the riskiest dams are rated high or extremely high hazard and are near coastal cities. (latimes.com)
- A failure could endanger up to 1.5 million people and cause over $265 billion in damage. (latimes.com)
- State engineers have referred owners of 44 dams for enforcement, but no punitive actions have been taken. (latimes.com)
- Lawmakers gave the Department of Water Resources enforcement powers in 2017 after the Oroville spillway failure. (latimes.com)
Timeline
- 2017-10-01 — California lawmakers passed legislation giving the Department of Water Resources enforcement powers after the Oroville spillway failure.
- 2026-05-01 — Audit data shows 57 dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition.
- 2026-10-17 — Audit released as El Niño winter approaches.
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “Dozens of California dams need repair as El Niño winter draws closer”
