Live Oak
Key Takeaway
Live Oak is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 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 | 76 ft (taller than 75% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 303 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 239 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1922 (104 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00192 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Los Angeles County Department Of Public Works
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Live Oak Reservoir
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 105 ftThompson Creek
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High Hazard 66 ftSan Dimas
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High Hazard 131 ftPuddingstone Diversion
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High Hazard 34 ftWeymouth Memorial Reservoir
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High Hazard 18 ftUpland Basin
San Bernardino, CA
High Hazard 20 ftSan Antonio Dam
San Bernardino, CA
High Hazard 160 ftBig Dalton
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 153 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Live Oak?
Live Oak 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 Live Oak?
Live Oak 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 Live Oak built?
Live Oak was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Live Oak?
Live Oak 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 Live Oak?
Live Oak has a dam height of 76 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 Live Oak last inspected?
Live Oak was last inspected on November 16, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.