Agua Chinon
Key Takeaway
Agua Chinon is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1998 and is 28 years old. Its primary use is debris control. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 41 ft (taller than 49.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 256 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1998 (28 years old) |
| NID ID | CA01361 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
County of Orange
Local Government
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High Hazard 79 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Agua Chinon?
Agua Chinon is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Agua Chinon?
Agua Chinon is owned by County of Orange (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Agua Chinon built?
Agua Chinon was completed in 1998, making it 28 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Agua Chinon?
Agua Chinon serves the following purposes: Debris Control, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Agua Chinon?
Agua Chinon has a dam height of 41 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Agua Chinon last inspected?
Agua Chinon was last inspected on February 23, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.