San Sevaine Basin #5

San Sevaine Basin #5 is an earth dam located in San Bernardino County, California, built in 2004. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About San Sevaine Basin #5

The primary purpose of San Sevaine Basin #5 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 County Of San Bernardino Department Of Public Works (local government). It impounds the San Sevaine Creek near Rancho Cucamonga.

The dam stands 49 feet tall and stretches 9,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 71 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,765 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 11 square miles. Completed in 2004, the structure is relatively new.

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 03/10/2025.

At 49 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.

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
CountySan Bernardino
Nearest CityRancho Cucamonga
River/StreamSan Sevaine Creek
Coordinates34.14281, -117.49720

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height49 ft
Dam Height49 ft
Dam Length9,000 ft
Year Completed2004 (22 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,765 acre-ft
Max Storage2,765 acre-ft
Surface Area71 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeDebris Control
OwnerCounty of San Bernardino Department of Public Works
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection03/10/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA01363
Federal IDCA01363
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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