Sepulveda Dam – Van Nuys CA

Description

The Sepulveda Dam in Van Nuys, California (in the San Fernando Valley) was constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1941 as part of an enormous flood-control project on the Los Angeles River, following the latest major flood on the river in January 1934.  The work was done under the auspices of a general flood risk management plan and contract between the Army Corps of Engineers, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD), and the WPA to deal with flooding on the three main rivers in Los Angeles County.

According to the Army Corps of Engineers, “The flood of 1 January 1934 emphasized the need for flood risk management projects in southern California. The New Deal Relief and Public Works Program provided the financial vehicle for comprehensive construction programs. In 1935 and 1936, the Corps and LACFCD became partners in a large Works Progress Administration (WPA) contract to design a comprehensive flood risk management plan for the Los Angeles, Santa Ana, the San Gabriel Rivers and their tributaries in Los Angeles County (Corps 1938). The Definite Project Report for the control of the Los Angeles River was submitted in December 1936. The severe storms and floods of February-March 1938 provided additional impetus for a comprehensive flood risk management program in southern California” (Sepulveda Dam Basin Master Plan and Environmental Assessment, pp. 1-3, 4).

The Sepulveda Dam remains an active part of the Los Angeles County Drainage Area. Its 2,000-acre flood control basin is home to several parks, golf courses, and a wildlife reserve—collectively known as the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area—managed by the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks.