Ferro Debris Basin

About Ferro Debris Basin

The primary purpose of Ferro Debris Basin is debris control. The dam is designed to catch sediment, rocks, and debris carried by flowing water — particularly important in areas prone to mudslides or heavy erosion. The dam is owned by Ventura County Watershed Protection District (local government). It impounds the Tr Beardsley Wash.

The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 265 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 24 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1986, the structure is 40 years old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 11/12/2025.

At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.

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