Following a series of powerful early season storms, Ventura County’s primary water reservoirs are nearing their maximum capacity. Both Lake Casitas and Lake Piru have seen a dramatic rise in water levels after recent holiday deluges dumped more than 15 inches of rain in certain mountain areas. As of January 14, 2026, Lake Casitas in the Ojai Valley was reported at over 99 percent full, a level not seen in many years.
Balancing Water Supply and Flood Safety
The Casitas Municipal Water District has already issued public notices to the Ventura County Watershed Protection District as the water level approaches the spillway crest of 567 feet above sea level. While a full reservoir is excellent news for long term local water supplies, the transition to a spill condition requires careful coordination. When the lake reaches its limit, water naturally flows over the spillway and into Coyote Creek. Local officials are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that downstream residents are prepared for the increased flow.
At Lake Piru, the United Water Conservation District has already begun increasing water releases from the Santa Felicia Dam. The reservoir is currently at roughly 98.4 percent capacity. These proactive releases are designed to manage the inflow from Piru Creek and create a small buffer for future storms. The district noted that the high water levels have also triggered specific notifications for whitewater boaters, as the increased flow makes downstream conditions in lower Piru Creek potentially hazardous due to storm debris and thick vegetation.
A Deluge After Years of Drought
The current state of the reservoirs is a stark contrast to the record lows seen during the last major drought cycle. At its worst, Lake Casitas had dropped below 30 percent capacity, leading to strict water rationing throughout Western Ventura County. Today, the lake is so full that boat launching facilities have been moved into their highest positions, and local fishing guides are predicting one of the best bass seasons in the history of the lake.
While the abundant water provides a significant safety net for the upcoming summer months, it also brings logistical challenges. Officials at Lake Piru have suspended some recreational boating access near the spillway due to the danger posed by the heavy overflow. Residents in flood prone areas near the Ventura River and Piru Creek are encouraged to keep an eye on weather forecasts, as any additional heavy rain could cause both reservoirs to spill over simultaneously, significantly increasing the volume of water moving toward the coast.