Railroad Canyon
Key Takeaway
Railroad Canyon is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 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 | 94 ft (taller than 80.5% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 590 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 11.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 525 acres |
| Drainage Area | 664 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1928 (98 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00765 |
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
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Railroad Canyon?
Railroad Canyon 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 Railroad Canyon?
Railroad Canyon is owned by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Railroad Canyon built?
Railroad Canyon 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 Railroad Canyon?
Railroad Canyon serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Railroad Canyon?
Railroad Canyon has a dam height of 94 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 Railroad Canyon last inspected?
Railroad Canyon was last inspected on January 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.