Laguna Regulating Basin
Laguna Regulating Basin is an earth dam located in Los Angeles County, California, built in 1970. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Laguna Regulating Basin
The primary purpose of Laguna Regulating 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 Los Angeles County Department Of Public Works (local government). It impounds the Laguna Wash.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 380 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 310 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1970, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 11/19/2025.
At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Los Angeles |
| River/Stream | Laguna Wash |
| Coordinates | 34.06390, -118.16420 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 380 ft |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 310 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 310 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Los Angeles County Department Of Public Works |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/19/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00203 |
| Federal ID | CA00203 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |