Lower San Fernando
Key Takeaway
Lower San Fernando is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 125 ft (taller than 86.7% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,840 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 9.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 224 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 11,324 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00076 |
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
City of Los Angeles Department of Water And Power
Local Government
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High Hazard 130 ftChannel Diversion Dike
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Low Hazard 42 ftYarnell Debris Basin
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Low Hazard 42 ftUpper San Fernando
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Low Hazard 82 ftSchoolhouse Debris Basin
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High Hazard 38 ftWilson Debris Basin
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High Hazard 50 ftLopez Dam
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High Hazard 50 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower San Fernando?
Lower San Fernando 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 Lower San Fernando?
Lower San Fernando is owned by City of Los Angeles Department of Water And Power (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower San Fernando built?
Lower San Fernando was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Lower San Fernando?
Lower San Fernando serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lower San Fernando?
Lower San Fernando has a dam height of 125 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 Lower San Fernando last inspected?
Lower San Fernando was last inspected on August 31, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.