Chevy Chase 1290 Reservoir

Chevy Chase 1290 Reservoir is an earth dam located in Los Angeles County, California, built in 1940. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Chevy Chase 1290 Reservoir

The primary purpose of Chevy Chase 1290 Reservoir is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Glendale (local government). It impounds the Tr Sycamore Can near Chevy Chase Residential Community.

The dam stands 90 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 17 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1940, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/20/2025.

At 90 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The California dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyLos Angeles
Nearest CityChevy Chase Residential Community
River/StreamTr Sycamore Can
Coordinates34.17540, -118.21430

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height90 ft
Dam Height90 ft
Dam Length300 ft
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage17 acre-ft
Max Storage17 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCity of Glendale
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection08/20/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA01078
Federal IDCA01078
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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