San Gabriel
San Gabriel is an earth dam located in Los Angeles County, California, built in 1937. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About San Gabriel
The primary purpose of San Gabriel is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Los Angeles County Flood Control District (local government). It impounds the San Gabriel River near Azusa.
The dam stands 381 feet tall and stretches 1,500 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 45,832 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 203 square miles. Completed in 1937, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 09/12/2023.
At 381 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Los Angeles |
| Nearest City | Azusa |
| River/Stream | San Gabriel River |
| Coordinates | 34.20650, -117.85920 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 381 ft |
| Dam Height | 320 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 45,832 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 45,832 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,378 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 203 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 297,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Los Angeles County Flood Control District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/12/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00200 |
| Federal ID | CA00200 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |