B737-300
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 328; Flight Crew Type 10000
Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related
Submitting this ASAP is to report and identify potentially hazardous flight conditions to Flight Operations.  At no time did [we] divert from an ATC clearance except to decrease our rate of climb during the recovery of a moderate to severe wake turbulence encounter.  Never did we deviate from Company procedures or CFR.  There were no injuries to Passengers or Crew.[On a] flight from SAN [we] encountered moderate to severe wake turbulence while climbing through about FL335 to our assigned altitude of FL340.  The onset of wake turbulence produced several jolts [causing] a roll moment right then left.  From initially a moderate wake; it developed quickly to a severe wake.  At that point; as pilot monitoring; I stated 'I have the aircraft.' A positive transfer in aircraft control was made; I disconnected the autopilot and maintained aircraft control by countering the [roll]; adjusting the flight path accordingly; which was effective.  I determined the wake encounter was severe when it was apparent the rolling moment was going to exceed the roll-control authority of the aircraft. After about 15 seconds from onset; the aircraft was returned to our assigned altitude; straight and level; in a stable flight condition.  The autopilot was re-engaged.  ATC was notified of our wake encounter; reporting it as moderate to severe wake turbulence.  ATC stated the wake was generated by a Company aircraft.  However; we were never informed or aware of another aircraft in our flight path.  The winds aloft were approximately 310/20 (a direct headwind); i.e.; flight path was apparently directly up trailing vortex core of preceding aircraft.  Flight characteristics after encounter were determined to be normal for the rest of the flight.  Aircraft components and equipment operated normally after recovery and throughout landing rollout.  A logbook writeup was made after consulting with Dispatcher and Maintenance Control.
I don't think that there is anything the crew can do to avoid this situation as there are too many variables. However; with the precision of modern aircraft to fly exactly where previous aircraft have flown; separation standards under certain wind conditions might need to be adjusted.
B737-300 flight reported encountering moderate to severe wake turbulence in climb at FL335 that resulted in a roll right and then left that exceeded the roll authority of the ailerons.