Puddingstone

Walnut Creek· Los Angeles, California· Built 1928· Earth· 147 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Puddingstone is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 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 147 ft (taller than 89.6% in CA)
Dam Length2,698 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage16.3K acre-ft
Surface Area490 acres
Drainage Area34 sq mi
Max Discharge28,970 cfs
Year Completed1928 (98 years old)
NID IDCA00194

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: October 26, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Los Angeles County Department Of Public Works

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Puddingstone?

Puddingstone 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 Puddingstone?

Puddingstone 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 Puddingstone built?

Puddingstone was completed in 1928, making it 98 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 Puddingstone?

Puddingstone 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 Puddingstone?

Puddingstone has a dam height of 147 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 Puddingstone last inspected?

Puddingstone was last inspected on October 26, 2021. 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.