Big Santa Anita
Key Takeaway
Big Santa Anita is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 225 ft (taller than 95.7% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 612 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 858 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00188 |
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
Los Angeles County Department Of Public Works
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Santa Anita Debris Basin
Los Angeles, CA
Low Hazard 56 ftSierra Madre
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High Hazard 69 ftSawpit Debris Basin
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High Hazard 82 ftSawpit
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High Hazard 150 ftBailey Debris Basin
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High Hazard 43 ftMorris S. Jones
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High Hazard 49 ftSierra Madre Villa
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High Hazard 50 ftEaton Wash Debris Basin
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 63 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Santa Anita?
Big Santa Anita 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 Big Santa Anita?
Big Santa Anita is owned by Los Angeles County Department Of Public Works (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Santa Anita built?
Big Santa Anita was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Big Santa Anita?
Big Santa Anita serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Big Santa Anita?
Big Santa Anita has a dam height of 225 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 Big Santa Anita last inspected?
Big Santa Anita was last inspected on May 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.