Eaton Wash Debris Basin

Eaton Wash· Los Angeles, California· Built 1936· Earth· 63 ft tall
High Hazard Debris Control Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Eaton Wash Debris Basin is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 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 63 ft (taller than 69.2% in CA)
Dam Length1,545 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage721 acre-ft
Surface Area54 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Year Completed1936 (90 years old)
NID IDCA00201

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: November 3, 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 Eaton Wash Debris Basin?

Eaton Wash 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 Eaton Wash Debris Basin?

Eaton Wash 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 Eaton Wash Debris Basin built?

Eaton Wash Debris Basin was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Eaton Wash Debris Basin?

Eaton Wash 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 Eaton Wash Debris Basin?

Eaton Wash Debris Basin has a dam height of 63 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 Eaton Wash Debris Basin last inspected?

Eaton Wash Debris Basin was last inspected on November 3, 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.