Cactus Basin #3
Cactus Basin #3 is an earth dam located in San Bernardino County, California, built in 2017. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cactus Basin #3
The primary purpose of Cactus Basin #3 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 County Of San Bernardino Department Of Public Works (local government). It impounds the Rialto Channel near Rialto.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 4,150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 23 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 528 acre-feet. Completed in 2017, 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 03/11/2025.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% 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.
Location
| State | California |
| County | San Bernardino |
| Nearest City | Rialto |
| River/Stream | Rialto Channel |
| Coordinates | 34.12220, -117.38590 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,150 ft |
| Year Completed | 2017 (9 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 528 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 528 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 23 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | County of San Bernardino Department of Public Works |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/11/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA10374 |
| Federal ID | CA10374 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |