Sawpit Debris Basin
Key Takeaway
Sawpit Debris Basin is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is debris control. 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 | 82 ft (taller than 77.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 520 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 152 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | CA01157 |
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
Los Angeles County Department Of Public Works
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Sawpit
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 150 ftSanta Anita Debris Basin
Los Angeles, CA
Low Hazard 56 ftBig Santa Anita
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 225 ftSierra Madre
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 69 ftSanta Fe Dam
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 92 ftBailey Debris Basin
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 43 ftCogswell
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 266 ftMorris S. Jones
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 49 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sawpit Debris Basin?
Sawpit Debris Basin 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 Sawpit Debris Basin?
Sawpit Debris Basin 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 Sawpit Debris Basin built?
Sawpit Debris Basin was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Sawpit Debris Basin?
Sawpit Debris Basin serves the following purposes: Debris Control, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sawpit Debris Basin?
Sawpit Debris Basin has a dam height of 82 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 Sawpit Debris Basin last inspected?
Sawpit Debris Basin was last inspected on September 21, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.