Silver Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Silver Lake, also known as Silver Lake Reservoir, is a local government-owned water supply reservoir located in Los Angeles, California.


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Summary

Completed in 1976, this earth dam structure stands at a height of 43 feet and has a hydraulic height of 34 feet, with a length of 760 feet. With a storage capacity of 2020 acre-feet, it serves as a crucial water source for the surrounding area.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Silver Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safe operation. The dam's condition was last assessed as satisfactory in September 2017, with a high hazard potential due to its location near Tr Ballona Creek. Although the risk assessment and management measures are not explicitly mentioned, the reservoir's emergency action plan (EAP) is up to date, meeting guidelines as of December 2018.

Even though Silver Lake does not have associated structures or locks, its primary purpose remains water supply. With a surface area of 77 acres and a drainage area of 0.12 square miles, the reservoir plays a vital role in providing water to the residents of Los Angeles. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Silver Lake continues to be a significant asset in the ongoing management of water resources and climate-related challenges in the region.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

760

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

Tr Ballona Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

77

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

2020

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

43
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

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.
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