Palos Verdes Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Palos Verdes Reservoir is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 | 82 ft (taller than 77.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 2,150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 27 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 245 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00215 |
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
Metropolitan Water District Of Southern California
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Palos Verdes Reservoir?
Palos Verdes Reservoir 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 Palos Verdes Reservoir?
Palos Verdes Reservoir is owned by Metropolitan Water District Of Southern California (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Palos Verdes Reservoir built?
Palos Verdes Reservoir was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Palos Verdes Reservoir?
Palos Verdes Reservoir 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 Palos Verdes Reservoir?
Palos Verdes Reservoir has a dam height of 82 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 Palos Verdes Reservoir last inspected?
Palos Verdes Reservoir was last inspected on August 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.