Live Oak Reservoir

Live Oak Reservoir is an earth dam located in Los Angeles County, California, built in 1975. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Live Oak Reservoir

The primary purpose of Live Oak Reservoir is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Metropolitan Water District Of Southern California (public utility). It impounds the Tr Marshall Cr near La Verne.

The dam stands 105 feet tall and stretches 3,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 77 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1975, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 02/27/2025.

At 105 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 CityLa Verne
River/StreamTr Marshall Cr
Coordinates34.13950, -117.75420

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height105 ft
Dam Height105 ft
Dam Length3,000 ft
Year Completed1975 (51 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,500 acre-ft
Max Storage2,500 acre-ft
Surface Area77 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerMetropolitan Water District Of Southern California
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection02/27/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA01084
Federal IDCA01084
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams