Eaton Wash Dam Post-Fire Emergency Project - LA County Public Works

View of a Reservoir from the side of a road
 

Eaton Wash Dam Post-Fire Emergency Project

Eaton Wash Dam Post-Fire Emergency Project

The devastating Eaton Fire burned homes, businesses and infrastructure, including undeveloped areas upstream of Eaton Wash Dam and Reservoir in Pasadena. Los Angeles County Public Works is working to restore and prepare critical water infrastructure for the ongoing storm season.

Project Summary

Due to the condition of the burned watershed, a large quantity of sediment is anticipated to enter the Eaton Wash Reservoir during storm season. Los Angeles County Public Works has an urgent need to remove up to 670,000 cubic yards of sediment and organic materials to ensure the reservoir has enough capacity during storm season to safeguard downstream communities from flooding.

Sediment transportation will begin in mid-February and continue through July 2025 – or until the reservoir’s capacity is restored. For the first two weeks, up to 1,200 hauling loads will be transported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Following this initial phase, 700 loads will be hauled 12 hours per day, 7 days a week, until the emergency project is complete.

Sediment will be moved to two disposal facilities in Irwindale and Azusa.


Our Commitment to the Community

Los Angeles County Public Works will closely manage this emergency project to see that it is done safely, quickly, and cleanly to restore the reservoir’s ability to protect downstream communities from flooding. 

  • Water trucks within the reservoir will minimize potential dust during sediment removal.
  • Truck loads will utilize dust protective measures including having adequate free board and moisture content to reduce dust during transport.
  • Trackout devices will be used to remove dirt and rocks from truck tires.
  • Street sweepers will follow the truck route in proximity to the reservoir.
  • Sweeping sides of trucks before departure

Our goal is to complete this emergency project with as minimal disruption to the community as possible, with public health and safety always top of mind.


Resources


Project Updates

Last Updated 08/11/25

  • Sediment hauling from Eaton Wash Dam has been completed.
    • Approximately 654,000 cubic yards of sediment hauled from Eaton Wash Reservoir
    • Approximately 25,700 tons of organic material hauled to Sunshine Canyon Landfill

Maps

Vicinity Maps

Hauling Routes


Contact

LA County Public Works,
Stormwater Engineering
(626) 458-2507

For urgent issues or questions, please contact Public Works dispatch at 800-675-HELP (4357).

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