Goodhart Canyon Detention Basin
Goodhart Canyon Detention Basin is an earth dam located in Riverside County, California, built in 1999. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Goodhart Canyon Detention Basin
The primary purpose of Goodhart Canyon Detention Basin 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 Metropolitan Water District Of Southern California (public utility). It impounds the Goodhart Canyon near N/a.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 6,823 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 98 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,026 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1999, the structure is 27 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 02/05/2025.
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 | Riverside |
| Nearest City | N/a |
| River/Stream | Goodhart Canyon |
| Coordinates | 33.68050, -116.98020 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,823 ft |
| Year Completed | 1999 (27 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,026 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,026 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 98 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Metropolitan Water District Of Southern California |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/05/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01424 |
| Federal ID | CA01424 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |