Brand Debris Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brand Debris Basin, located in Glendale, California, is a crucial structure owned and regulated by the local government for debris control and flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 45 feet and has a hydraulic height of 32 feet, with a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 1.03 square miles, this dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams, Brand Debris Basin has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2017. The dam is regularly inspected, with the most recent inspection conducted in February 2021. It is crucial for ensuring the safety of downstream communities and infrastructure in case of emergencies.

With the involvement of local and state agencies in permitting, inspection, and enforcement, Brand Debris Basin serves as a vital component of the water infrastructure in Los Angeles County. As climate change continues to impact the region, structures like this will play an increasingly important role in managing water resources and mitigating the risks of flooding and debris flow.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

Brand Debris Bns

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

1.03

Nid Storage

42

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

45
       
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.