Santa Monica Debris Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Santa Monica Debris Basin, located in Carpenteria, California, is a key structure managed by the local government for debris control and water supply purposes.


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Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 102 feet and has a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 3.8 square miles and a surface area of 5 acres, the basin plays a crucial role in managing the flow of Santa Monica Creek during heavy rainfall and mitigating the risk of flooding in the surrounding area.

Managed by the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams, the Santa Monica Debris Basin is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in April 2020. Emergency action plans are in place, and the basin has a designated emergency contact for swift response in case of any unforeseen events. The basin's location in Santa Barbara County, near Los Angeles District, highlights its strategic importance in protecting the local community and water resources.

Encompassing a history of over four decades, the Santa Monica Debris Basin continues to serve as a critical infrastructure for managing debris flow and safeguarding water supply in the region. With Salud O. Carbajal as the congressional representative overseeing the area, the dam's operations and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the safety and resilience of the surrounding communities. As climate change intensifies the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the Santa Monica Debris Basin stands as a vital asset in the ongoing efforts to adapt and mitigate the impacts of a changing climate on water resources and infrastructure in California.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

467

Dam Height

102

River Or Stream

Santa Monica Cr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

86

Drainage Area

3.8

Nid Storage

79

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

102
       
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.