Upper San Fernando
Key Takeaway
Upper San Fernando is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1921 and is 105 years old. Its primary use is other.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 82 ft (taller than 77.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,740 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 78 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00086 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City of Los Angeles Department of Water And Power
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Yarnell Debris Basin
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Low Hazard 42 ftChannel Diversion Dike
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Low Hazard 42 ftLos Angeles Reservoir
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High Hazard 130 ftLower Van Norman Bypass
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Low Hazard 78 ftLower San Fernando
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High Hazard 125 ftSchoolhouse Debris Basin
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High Hazard 38 ftWilson Debris Basin
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High Hazard 50 ftLopez Dam
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High Hazard 50 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper San Fernando?
Upper San Fernando is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Upper San Fernando?
Upper San Fernando is owned by City of Los Angeles Department of Water And Power (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper San Fernando built?
Upper San Fernando was completed in 1921, making it 105 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 Upper San Fernando?
Upper San Fernando serves the following purposes: Other, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Upper San Fernando?
Upper San Fernando 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 Upper San Fernando last inspected?
Upper San Fernando was last inspected on August 31, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.