Sepulveda Dam
Key Takeaway
Sepulveda Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 57 ft (taller than 65.7% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 15,440 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 27.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 152 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 99,540 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10025 |
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
USACE - Los Angeles District
Federal Government
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High Hazard 125 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sepulveda Dam?
Sepulveda Dam 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 Sepulveda Dam?
Sepulveda Dam is owned by USACE - Los Angeles District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sepulveda Dam built?
Sepulveda Dam was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Sepulveda Dam?
Sepulveda Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sepulveda Dam?
Sepulveda Dam has a dam height of 57 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 Sepulveda Dam last inspected?
Sepulveda Dam was last inspected on May 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.