Declez Retention

Declez Retention is an earth dam located in Riverside County, California, built in 1984. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Declez Retention

The primary purpose of Declez Retention 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 Tr San Sevaine Cr near Riverside.

The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 1,500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 21 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 331 acre-feet. Completed in 1984, the structure is 42 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 03/11/2025.

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
CountyRiverside
Nearest CityRiverside
River/StreamTr San Sevaine Cr
Coordinates34.03180, -117.50200

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height30 ft
Dam Height30 ft
Dam Length1,500 ft
Year Completed1984 (42 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage331 acre-ft
Max Storage331 acre-ft
Surface Area21 acres

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerCounty of San Bernardino Department of Public Works
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection03/11/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA01204
Federal IDCA01204
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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