Lake Hodges dam in San Diego County is the only dam in California labeled unsatisfactory by state regulators, posing a dilemma between flood and fire risks. - The dam's deterioration has led to controlled water releases, reducing flood risk but increasing wildfire danger due to dry brush.
- Residents and local officials demand a balanced solution, citing past fires like the 2007 Witch Creek Fire that were stalled by the lake. - A planned rebuild stalled due to cost overruns, leaving no clear path forward.
The situation highlights a jurisdictional conflict between state dam safety and local fire prevention concerns.