Los Angeles Reservoir

Los Angeles Reservoir is an earth dam located in Los Angeles County, California, built in 1977. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Los Angeles Reservoir

Los Angeles Reservoir is a dam in Los Angeles, California. The dam is owned by City Of Los Angeles Department Of Water And Power (local government). It impounds the San Fernando Cr near Granada Hills.

The dam stands 130 feet tall and stretches 3,415 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 175 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 10,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1977, the structure is 49 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 11/03/2025.

At 130 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyLos Angeles
Nearest CityGranada Hills
River/StreamSan Fernando Cr
Coordinates34.29350, -118.48360

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height130 ft
Dam Height130 ft
Dam Length3,415 ft
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage10,000 acre-ft
Max Storage10,000 acre-ft
Surface Area175 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeOther
OwnerCity of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection11/03/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA01081
Federal IDCA01081
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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