Trabuco
Trabuco is an earth dam located in Orange County, California, built in 1984. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Trabuco
The primary purpose of Trabuco 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 Trabuco Canyon Water District (public utility). It impounds the Tr Dove Creek near Dove Canyon.
The dam stands 108 feet tall and stretches 620 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 138 acre-feet. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 years old.
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 02/11/2025.
At 108 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.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Orange |
| Nearest City | Dove Canyon |
| River/Stream | Tr Dove Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.64450, -117.56200 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 108 ft |
| Dam Height | 108 ft |
| Dam Length | 620 ft |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 138 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 138 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Trabuco Canyon Water District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/11/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01241 |
| Federal ID | CA01241 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |