Trampas Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Trampas Canyon, located in Orange County, California, is a vital flood risk reduction structure built in 1975 to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.


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Summary

Owned and regulated by the state with oversight from the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams, this earth dam stands at a height of 183 feet with a hydraulic height of 178 feet, serving a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.

With a storage capacity of 5,700 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.91 square miles, Trampas Canyon dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its safety and functionality. The structure's design and construction reflect a commitment to water supply management, tailings storage, and flood risk mitigation, highlighting its importance in climate resilience and water resource management efforts.

As a public utility infrastructure, Trampas Canyon dam underscores the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation, embodying the necessity of sustainable infrastructure to address the challenges posed by changing environmental conditions. With its strategic location in San Juan Capistrano and efficient flood risk reduction capabilities, this dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and water resources in the face of climate variability and increasing water-related risks.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

183

River Or Stream

Trampas Canyon

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

96

Hydraulic Height

178

Drainage Area

0.91

Nid Storage

5700

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

183
       
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.