Sierra Madre
Key Takeaway
Sierra Madre is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 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 | 69 ft (taller than 72.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 51 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1928 (98 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00197 |
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
Santa Anita Debris Basin
Los Angeles, CA
Low Hazard 56 ftBailey Debris Basin
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 43 ftBig Santa Anita
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 225 ftMorris S. Jones
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 49 ftSierra Madre Villa
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 50 ftSawpit Debris Basin
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 82 ftEaton Wash Debris Basin
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 63 ftSawpit
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 150 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sierra Madre?
Sierra Madre 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 Sierra Madre?
Sierra Madre 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 Sierra Madre built?
Sierra Madre was completed in 1928, making it 98 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 Sierra Madre?
Sierra Madre 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 Sierra Madre?
Sierra Madre has a dam height of 69 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 Sierra Madre last inspected?
Sierra Madre was last inspected on November 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.