Yarnell Debris Basin

Tr Bull Canyon· Los Angeles, California· Built 1963· Earth· 42 ft tall
Low Hazard Debris Control Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Yarnell Debris Basin is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is debris control.

Physical Details

Dam Height 42 ft (taller than 50.1% in CA)
Dam Length1,290 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage78 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDCA00099

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 19, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

City of Los Angeles Department of Water And Power

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Yarnell Debris Basin?

Yarnell Debris Basin 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 Yarnell Debris Basin?

Yarnell Debris Basin 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 Yarnell Debris Basin built?

Yarnell Debris Basin was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Yarnell Debris Basin?

Yarnell Debris Basin serves the following purposes: Debris Control, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Yarnell Debris Basin?

Yarnell Debris Basin has a dam height of 42 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 Yarnell Debris Basin last inspected?

Yarnell Debris Basin was last inspected on May 19, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.