Devils Gate

Arroyo Seco· Los Angeles, California· Built 1920· Gravity· 108 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Devils Gate is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 108 ft (taller than 83.7% in CA)
Dam Length252 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage2.6K acre-ft
Surface Area110 acres
Drainage Area30 sq mi
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDCA00189

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: Yes
Last Inspection: October 19, 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 Devils Gate?

Devils Gate 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 Devils Gate?

Devils Gate 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 Devils Gate built?

Devils Gate was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Devils Gate?

Devils Gate serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Devils Gate?

Devils Gate has a dam height of 108 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 Devils Gate last inspected?

Devils Gate was last inspected on October 19, 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.