Small Canyon dam
Small Canyon
Small Canyon in Highland, California, is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1957 for debris control on Tr City Creek. With a height of 68 feet and a hydraulic height of 60 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet and a length of 245 feet. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment in 2017 was deemed satisfactory.
Located in San Bernardino County, Small Canyon is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in March 2021, ensuring preparedness for any potential risks. The primary purpose of the dam is debris control, and it plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Small Canyon offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and public safety. As a key structure in the area's water management system, the dam serves as a vital tool for reducing debris and ensuring the safety of downstream communities. With its strategic location and ongoing regulatory oversight, Small Canyon stands as a testament to the importance of responsible dam operation in a changing climate.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Small Canyon -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| City C Nr Highland Ca | 3 cfs | → |
| Sand Canyon C Nr Highland Ca | 1 cfs | → |
| Plunge C Nr East Highlands Ca | 3 cfs | → |
| E Twin C Nr Arrowhead Springs Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Waterman Cyn C Nr Arrowhead Spgs Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Sar Supp Gage Nr Mentone Ca | 29 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Small Canyon.
Campgrounds
- Dogwood
- Dogwood Family Campground
- Dogwood Campground
- North Shore Family Campground
- North Shore Campground
- Fisherman's Group Campground
Fishing spots
Track Small Canyon in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Small Canyon
Where does the data for Small Canyon come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Small Canyon.