Whittier Narrows Dam, California, USA

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Quick Facts About Whittier Narrows Dam

Location: Los Angeles, California
Coordinates: 34.020897, -118.054965
River: San Gabriel River
Primary Purpose: Flood Risk Reduction
Type: Earth
Commissioned: 1957
Dam Height: 56 ft (17 m)
Dam Length: 16,960 ft (5,169 m)
Dam Capacity: 66,702 acre-ft (82,276 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Not Available

Whittier Narrows Dam Map

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Whittier Narrows Dam Information

Whittier Narrows Dam is an earthen embankment dam located in Whittier, Los Angeles, California.

The dam, which is on the San Gabriel River, was primarily built for Flood Risk Reduction purposes, but also serves for Recreation and Water Supply benefits.

The dam was designed by CESPL and commissioned in 1957 and is currently owned by USACE – Los Angeles District.

Whittier Narrows Dam Structure

The Whittier Narrows Dam is approximately 16,960 feet (5,169 m) long, 56 feet (17 m) high and has a structural volume of 0 cubic yards (0 cubic metres).

Whittier Narrows Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 0 acre-ft (0 Ml) and maximum capacity of 66,702 acre-ft (82,276 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 1 acres (0 ha) and the total catchment area is 554 square miles (1,435 square kilometres).

Whittier Narrows Dam Spillway

The dam has a 450 feet (137 m) wide controlled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 307900 cubic feet per second (8719 cubic metres per second).

Whittier Narrows Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

Whittier Narrows Dam
Los Angeles, California
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 56 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 16,960 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 66,702 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 554 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

Whittier Narrows Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Whittier Narrows Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Whittier Narrows Dam

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Whittier Narrows Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Whittier Narrows Dam?

Whittier Narrows Dam is in California.

In which county is the Whittier Narrows Dam?

Whittier Narrows Dam is in Los Angeles County.

How high is the Whittier Narrows Dam?

Whittier Narrows Dam is 56 feet high.

How long is the Whittier Narrows Dam?

Whittier Narrows Dam is 16,960 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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