Haines Canyon Debris Dam

HAINES CREEK· Los Angeles, California· Built 1938· Earth· 70 ft tall
High Hazard Debris Control Flood Risk Reduction Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Haines Canyon Debris Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 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 70 ft (taller than 72.8% in CA)
Dam Length500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage15 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge10,000 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDCA10004

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: May 18, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Los Angeles District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Haines Canyon Debris Dam?

Haines Canyon Debris Dam 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 Haines Canyon Debris Dam?

Haines Canyon Debris Dam is owned by USACE - Los Angeles District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Haines Canyon Debris Dam built?

Haines Canyon Debris Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Haines Canyon Debris Dam?

Haines Canyon Debris Dam 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 Haines Canyon Debris Dam?

Haines Canyon Debris Dam has a dam height of 70 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 Haines Canyon Debris Dam last inspected?

Haines Canyon Debris Dam was last inspected on May 18, 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.