Whittier Narrows Dam
Key Takeaway
Whittier Narrows Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 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 | 56 ft (taller than 65.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 16,960 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 66.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 554 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 307,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10027 |
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
Nearby Dams
Whittier Reservoir No. 4
Los Angeles, CA
Low Hazard 55 ftGarvey Reservoir
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High Hazard 160 ftLaguna Regulating Basin
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Significant Hazard 43 ftSanta Fe Dam
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High Hazard 92 ftMorris S. Jones
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High Hazard 49 ft30 Mg Central Reservoir
Orange, CA
High Hazard 30 ftBrea Dam
Orange, CA
High Hazard 87 ftEagle Rock
Los Angeles, CA
High Hazard 113 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whittier Narrows Dam?
Whittier Narrows 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 Whittier Narrows Dam?
Whittier Narrows 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 Whittier Narrows Dam built?
Whittier Narrows Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Whittier Narrows Dam?
Whittier Narrows Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Whittier Narrows Dam?
Whittier Narrows Dam has a dam height of 56 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 Whittier Narrows Dam last inspected?
Whittier Narrows Dam was last inspected on July 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.