Ferro Debris Basin

Tr Beardsley Wash· Ventura, California· Built 1986· Earth· 45 ft tall
Significant Hazard Debris Control Local Government

Key Takeaway

Ferro Debris Basin is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 years old. Its primary use is debris control. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 45 ft (taller than 54% in CA)
Dam Length265 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage24 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1986 (40 years old)
NID IDCA01299

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 9, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Ventura County Watershed Protection District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ferro Debris Basin?

Ferro Debris Basin is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Ferro Debris Basin?

Ferro Debris Basin is owned by Ventura County Watershed Protection District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ferro Debris Basin built?

Ferro Debris Basin was completed in 1986, making it 40 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 Ferro Debris Basin?

Ferro Debris Basin serves the following purposes: Debris Control. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Ferro Debris Basin?

Ferro Debris Basin has a dam height of 45 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 Ferro Debris Basin last inspected?

Ferro Debris Basin was last inspected on August 9, 2022. 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.