The Laguna Regulating Basin, located in East Los Angeles, California, serves as a critical flood risk reduction infrastructure along the Laguna Wash. Constructed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and spans 380 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet. Managed by the local government and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, the dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in September 2017.

With a drainage area of 5.55 square miles and a surface area of 12 acres, the Laguna Regulating Basin plays a crucial role in mitigating flood impacts in the region. Despite its age, the dam has undergone regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in November 2020. As a state-regulated structure, it is subject to permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the relevant authorities to ensure its continued safe operation. The dam's presence underscores the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in safeguarding communities from natural hazards.

As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resource management, structures like the Laguna Regulating Basin exemplify the importance of proactive risk reduction measures. By maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure like this dam, local governments can enhance their resilience to extreme weather events and protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of flooding. The Laguna Regulating Basin stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance water resource management, climate adaptation, and public safety in the face of a changing climate landscape.