Carbon Canyon Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carbon Canyon Dam, also known as Carbon Canyon Reservoir, is located in Orange County, California, and is owned and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, the dam serves as a critical flood risk reduction structure along Carbon Canyon Creek, with a height of 99 feet and a storage capacity of 12,063 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits for recreation.

Despite its importance in mitigating flood risks, the dam has been classified as high risk due to potential internal erosion of the embankment along the outlet conduit and wastewater line. The US Army Corps of Engineers has implemented various risk management measures, including regular inspections, monitoring, maintenance, and emergency preparedness efforts to reduce the risk to downstream communities such as Brea, Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Placentia, and Anaheim. Future plans include a Dam Safety Modification Study to address erosion concerns and enhance the dam's safety and resilience. Carbon Canyon Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure safeguarding the surrounding communities and highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure its stability and effectiveness in the face of potential hazards.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

2610

Dam Height

99

River Or Stream

CARBON CANYON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

92

Drainage Area

19

Nid Storage

12063

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

99
       
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.