Riviera Reservoir

Offstream· Los Angeles, California· Built 1962· Other· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Riviera Reservoir is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 40 ft (taller than 46.3% in CA)
Dam Length1,280 ft
Dam TypeOther
Max Storage76 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDCA00876

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: June 2, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

City of Santa Monica Department Of Public Works

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Riviera Reservoir?

Riviera 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 Riviera Reservoir?

Riviera Reservoir is owned by City of Santa Monica Department Of Public Works (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Riviera Reservoir built?

Riviera Reservoir was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Riviera Reservoir?

Riviera 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 Riviera Reservoir?

Riviera Reservoir has a dam height of 40 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 Riviera Reservoir last inspected?

Riviera Reservoir was last inspected on June 2, 2022. 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.