Dam Failure

Post

The only dam that poses a threat in the City of Redlands is the Seven Oaks Dam. Failure of this dam is very unlikely, but under the right set of conditions, could occur with severe consequences.  

These conditions are:

  • Failure while the dam is at or near full capacity.
  • Complete and sudden breach of the dam, rather than partial failure which would allow water to be released slowly into containment channels.

Such conditions could only occur as a result of sabotage, earthquake or erosion during periods of extremely heavy rain. There is no guarantee that a warning will be issued before the dam fails.

Seven Oaks Dam is the next most important dam for the Santa Ana River. The Orange County Public Works says it was built in 1999.  Seven Oaks Dam is considered to be 10th largest earthen dam in the world. The cost to build the dam was $464 million.  Earthen Dams basically are dams made of compacted natural materials such as soil, clay, sand, and rocks. In contrast, rock fill dams are dams with a compacted soil wall and then rocks cover the wall. 

An interesting fact from the Army Corps of Engineers is that Seven Oaks Dam is built directly on top of the San Andreas Fault.  Even though the dam has been designed to withstand up to an 8.0 earthquake, it is still dangerous as dams can still be affected, albeit in a very infinitesimal way. 

Who is to say that the Santa Ana River’s man-made flood control system will hold its ground if a major flood happens? 
Remember that the Santa Ana River is the river most prone to flooding west of the Mississippi, so who is to say that it will not happen?

​Your response to such a situation should follow these guidelines: 

  • Gather up important items such as supplies, equipment and documents if time permits.
  • Turn off utilities.
  • If possible, travel by automobile.
  • Never try to outrun fast moving water. Choose the most direct route and avoid moving further into the path of the water.
  • Monitor news reports and do not return to the flooded area until told to do so.
  • Plan to spend at least 24 hours away from the area before all water has subsided.

Links:

Seven Oaks Dam