Sand Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sand Canyon, located in Newport Beach, California, is a vital water supply dam completed in 1912 with a height of 58 feet and a storage capacity of 960 acre-feet.


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Summary

Managed by a public utility, Sand Canyon serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, irrigation, and water supply for the surrounding area. The dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and operational effectiveness.

With a drainage area of 6.76 square miles and a surface area of 51 acres, Sand Canyon plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Orange County. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of September 2017. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place, with the last revision made in October 2019. The dam's location along the Sand Canyon stream and its close proximity to the city of Newport Beach highlight its importance in ensuring water security and flood protection for the region.

Sand Canyon's strategic positioning and historical significance as a key water infrastructure in Southern California underscore its crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. As a primary water source for the area, the dam's maintenance and regulatory oversight demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding both water supply and public safety. As climate change impacts intensify, Sand Canyon stands as a resilient structure that continues to serve its community while adapting to evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

861

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

Sand Canyon

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

51

Hydraulic Height

49.5

Drainage Area

6.76

Nid Storage

960

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

58
       
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.