Dry Canyon Reservoir, Small reservoir in Los Angeles County, California
Dry Canyon Reservoir is a dry reservoir basin in the foothills north of Santa Clarita, California. Built between 1910 and 1912, it consists of an earthen dam and a surrounding basin that has remained mostly empty since 1966, now surrounded by oak trees and native vegetation.
The reservoir was built from 1910 to 1912 as part of the region's water management system, collecting water from San Francisquito Canyon and the Los Angeles Aqueduct. A 1952 earthquake damaged the dam, leading to permanent drainage in 1966, after which the site was abandoned for water storage.
The site is accessible for walkers and nature observers exploring the open landscape. The terrain is dry and open with paths to walk, though formal amenities are minimal.
The basin now functions as a flood control area, helping prevent flooding in nearby neighborhoods despite having held no water for over 50 years. This dual purpose shows how old infrastructure adapts to serve new needs.
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