Trampas Canyon

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Trampas Canyon, located in Orange County, California, is a vital flood risk reduction structure built in 1975 to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Owned and regulated by the state with oversight from the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams, this earth dam stands at a height of 183 feet with a hydraulic height of 178 feet, serving a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.

With a storage capacity of 5,700 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.91 square miles, Trampas Canyon dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its safety and functionality. The structure's design and construction reflect a commitment to water supply management, tailings storage, and flood risk mitigation, highlighting its importance in climate resilience and water resource management efforts.

As a public utility infrastructure, Trampas Canyon dam underscores the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation, embodying the necessity of sustainable infrastructure to address the challenges posed by changing environmental conditions. With its strategic location in San Juan Capistrano and efficient flood risk reduction capabilities, this dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and water resources in the face of climate variability and increasing water-related risks.