Sand Canyon
Key Takeaway
Sand Canyon is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 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 | 58 ft (taller than 66.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 861 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 960 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 51 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00854 |
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
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 59 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sand Canyon?
Sand 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 Sand Canyon?
Sand 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 Sand Canyon built?
Sand Canyon was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Sand Canyon?
Sand 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 Sand Canyon?
Sand Canyon has a dam height of 58 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 Sand Canyon last inspected?
Sand Canyon was last inspected on June 13, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.