Lower Peters Canyon Retarding Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Peters Canyon Retarding Basin, located in Lemon Heights, California, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction infrastructure along the Peters Can Wash.


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Summary

Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a height of 52 feet and has a storage capacity of 206 acre-feet, providing protection to the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam, owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Water Resources for dam safety, plays a vital role in safeguarding the community from the hazards of high-risk potential associated with its location.

With a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017, the Lower Peters Canyon Retarding Basin remains a key piece of water resource infrastructure in Orange County. The dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction is complemented by its secondary function of water supply, demonstrating its versatility in serving the local community. Regular inspections and enforcement by state regulatory agencies ensure the dam's continued reliability and safety for the residents and wildlife in the area.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, structures like the Lower Peters Canyon Retarding Basin become increasingly important in managing the risks of floods and ensuring sustainable water management practices. With high hazard potential but satisfactory condition, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and the collaboration between local government and state agencies in protecting communities from the effects of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

1166

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

Peters Can Wash

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

47.2

Drainage Area

2.15

Nid Storage

206

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

52
       
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.