Day Creek Debris Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Day Creek Debris Basin, located in Alta Loma, California, serves as a critical structure for debris control along the Day Creek river stream.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1988 by local government authorities, this earth dam stands at a height of 90 feet with a hydraulic height of 70 feet, providing a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 5.06 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential hazards and ensuring the safety of residents in San Bernardino County.

Managed by the Department of Water Resources and regulated by the Safety of Dams division, the Day Creek Debris Basin has a high hazard potential but is deemed to be in satisfactory condition according to the latest assessment in 2017. Its last inspection in December 2019 reaffirmed its operational readiness, with an inspection frequency of 1 year to ensure ongoing safety compliance. Despite its critical role in debris control, the dam has not been modified in recent years, indicating a stable and well-maintained infrastructure that continues to serve its primary purpose effectively.

In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with established emergency action plans and contacts, although the specifics of these preparations have not been updated recently. With its strategic location and robust design, the Day Creek Debris Basin stands as a vital component of the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts, highlighting the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance and risk mitigation strategies in safeguarding communities against potential disasters.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

975

Dam Height

90

River Or Stream

Day Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

70

Drainage Area

5.06

Nid Storage

140

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

90
       
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.