Round Canyon Retarding Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Round Canyon Retarding Basin, located in El Toro, California, serves as a critical flood risk reduction infrastructure along the Round Can Wash.


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Summary

Completed in 1994, this earth dam stands at a height of 98 feet and has a storage capacity of 286 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the basin plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flood events.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the Round Canyon Retarding Basin is equipped with state-of-the-art inspection and enforcement protocols to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and secondary benefits for water supply, this infrastructure underscores the importance of proactive water resource management in mitigating climate-related challenges in Orange County, California.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Round Canyon Retarding Basin offers a compelling case study in sustainable infrastructure development and management. With its strategic location, design, and operational protocols, this flood risk reduction facility stands as a testament to effective collaboration between local authorities, regulatory agencies, and the community to enhance resilience against climate-induced hazards in the region.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

98

River Or Stream

Round Can Wash

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

87.5

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

286

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

98
       
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.