The 2020 Bobcat Fire burned 115,997 acres in and around the Angeles National Forest, including portions of the watershed tributary to the San Gabriel Reservoir. As a result of the fire, Public Works initiated an emergency sediment removal project to protect the downstream communities from flood risk and restore water storage capacity for groundwater recharge. The project will remove up to 4.9 million cubic yards (CY) of sediment and debris from the reservoir and place it at the adjacent Burro Canyon Sediment Placement Site (SPS). The project started in June 2021 and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Coordination with Regulatory Agencies
While the San Gabriel Reservoir Post-Fire Emergency Restoration Project is an emergency project, Public Works will ensure the project complies, and in some instances exceeds, regulatory requirements typically enforced on non-emergency projects. Public Works is partnering with the agencies below to ensure measures are taken to protect the public, recreational resources, wildlife, habitat, and water quality to the extent possible.
- United States Forest Service (USFS) – Coordination for continued use of Burro Canyon Sediment Placement Site (SPS) and Off-Highway Vehicle Area in the San Gabriel Reservoir and revegetation of the SPS at the end of the Project per a plan approved by USFS.
- United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Coordination for impacts to Waters of the United States. A Section 404 permit has been issued by USACE.
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) – Coordination with CDFW to implement measures that protect wildlife and habitat.
- Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) – Coordination with RWQCB to implement measures to protect water quality and aquatic resources. A Section 401 certification has been issued by RWQCB.
Emergency Declarations
On October 13, 2020, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a motion instructing Los Angeles County Public Works to take immediate action to repair and restore facilities affected by the Bobcat Fire. This includes the removal of sediment from major dams and reservoirs such as San Gabriel Reservoir. In accordance with the Board of Supervisors’ motion, Public Works has initiated a five-year project to remove 4.9 MCY of sediment from San Gabriel Reservoir. Los Angeles County experienced record‑setting rainfall in 2023 and 2024, resulting in very high reservoir flows that significantly slowed sediment removal, requiring the project to be extended by one year.
In addition to the emergency declaration by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Bobcat Fire was also declared an emergency by the federal government and the State of California. These emergency declarations can be found in the Resources section.
Construction Schedule
Spring 2021 – Spring 2026
2 months each year
Spring 2021 – Fall 2026
6 years
Spring 2021 – Fall 2026
6 years
Fall 2021 – Winter 2026
7 years
Reconstruct access ramp to San Gabriel Reservoir. Portions of the access ramp may need to be reconstructed each year.
The access ramp will connect the reservoir to Burro Canyon Sediment Placement Site (SPS). The access ramp will not interfere with the East Fork Road.
Remove 4.9 million cubic yards of excess sediment, which will enable the County to meet and maintain acceptable flood control standards.
Place material at Burro Canyon SPS, located adjacent to San Gabriel Reservoir. The U.S. Forest Service has approved the use of Burro Canyon SPS for the placement of sediment removed from San Gabriel Reservoir.
Erosion control measures will be implemented at the SPS following each work season.
Revegetation of the finished slopes of the SPS will occur at the conclusion of this project and the subsequent Bridge Fire project.
Site Plan
San Gabriel Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area
The U.S. Forest Service reopened the San Gabriel OHV Area in May 2026 for the 2026 dry season. The OHV area will be open Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays pending weather and Reservoir conditions. All visitors must make an online reservation at Recreation.gov before arriving at the site.
OHV users are reminded that entrance into San Gabriel Reservoir is prohibited. Due to the upcoming San Gabriel Reservoir Post-Fire Emergency Restoration Project, construction equipment and/or activities may be located within the OHV area. OHV users must respect all signs and fencing and avoid areas with construction equipment and/or activities.
