Rattlesnake Canyon
Key Takeaway
Rattlesnake Canyon is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 79 ft (taller than 75.9% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 980 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 60 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00855 |
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
Irvine Ranch Water District
Public Utility
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High Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rattlesnake Canyon?
Rattlesnake 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 Rattlesnake Canyon?
Rattlesnake Canyon is owned by Irvine Ranch Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rattlesnake Canyon built?
Rattlesnake Canyon was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Rattlesnake Canyon?
Rattlesnake Canyon serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Other, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Rattlesnake Canyon?
Rattlesnake Canyon has a dam height of 79 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 Rattlesnake Canyon last inspected?
Rattlesnake Canyon was last inspected on May 11, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.