Dove Canyon
Dove Canyon is an earth dam located in Orange County, California, built in 1989. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Dove Canyon
The primary purpose of Dove Canyon is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Dove Canyon Master Association (private). It impounds the Dove Creek near Dove Canyon.
The dam stands 88 feet tall and stretches 700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 16 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 415 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1989, the structure is 37 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/11/2025.
At 88 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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 | Dove Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.63860, -117.56920 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 88 ft |
| Dam Height | 88 ft |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1989 (37 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 415 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 415 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Dove Canyon Master Association |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 02/11/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01248 |
| Federal ID | CA01248 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |