Blanchard Debris Basin

Blanchard Can· Los Angeles, California· Built 1966· Earth· 50 ft tall
High Hazard Debris Control Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Blanchard Debris Basin is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 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 50 ft (taller than 59.1% in CA)
Dam Length925 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage26 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1966 (60 years old)
NID IDCA01151

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: December 1, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Los Angeles County Department Of Public Works

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Blanchard Debris Basin?

Blanchard Debris Basin 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 Blanchard Debris Basin?

Blanchard Debris Basin 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 Blanchard Debris Basin built?

Blanchard Debris Basin was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Blanchard Debris Basin?

Blanchard Debris Basin 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 Blanchard Debris Basin?

Blanchard Debris Basin has a dam height of 50 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 Blanchard Debris Basin last inspected?

Blanchard Debris Basin was last inspected on December 1, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.