Big Canyon is a significant earth dam located in Newport Beach, California, completed in 1959 for the primary purpose of water supply. With a height of 65 feet and a hydraulic height of 59.5 feet, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 22 acres. Despite its small drainage area of 0.04 square miles, Big Canyon serves as a crucial water resource in Orange County.

Managed by the local government, Big Canyon is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Classified with a high hazard potential, the dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition following the most recent assessment in September 2017. With its location on Tr Big Canyon Creek, this dam plays a vital role in ensuring water supply reliability for the surrounding community of Newport Beach, highlighting the intersection of water resources and climate considerations in the region.