Etiwanda Debris Basin Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Etiwanda Debris Basin, located in San Bernardino, California, along the East Etiwanda Creek, serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 2008, this earth dam stands at a height of 50.5 feet, with a hydraulic height of 37 feet, providing a storage capacity of 283 acre-feet. The basin covers a surface area of 24.9 acres, with a drainage area of 5.42 square miles, making it an essential asset in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), the Etiwanda Debris Basin is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has been assessed as satisfactory, with a high hazard potential due to its purpose of flood risk reduction. Emergency action plans are in place to address any potential risks, with the last revision of the plan conducted in March 2021. With its crucial role in protecting the surrounding communities from flooding, the Etiwanda Debris Basin stands as a vital component of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

As a key piece of infrastructure in the flood risk reduction strategy for San Bernardino, the Etiwanda Debris Basin plays a crucial role in safeguarding the area from potential disasters. With its strategic location along the East Etiwanda Creek and its significant storage capacity, the basin provides essential protection against flooding events. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure that the dam remains in satisfactory condition, ready to fulfill its purpose in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of the community. The Etiwanda Debris Basin stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in California, highlighting the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure to protect vulnerable areas from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

2008

Dam Length

4175

Dam Height

50.5

River Or Stream

East Etiwanda Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24.9

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

5.42

Nid Storage

283

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

51
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.