Big Tujunga Dam

Big Tujunga Dam is an arch dam spanning Big Tujunga Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains, built from curved concrete that distributes water pressure efficiently. This structure was designed to hold back winter floods and provide water storage for surrounding communities.

Construction took place between 1930 and 1931 by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to address growing flood problems in the region. The project was part of a broader strategy to protect communities in the San Gabriel Mountains from seasonal high water.

The name Tujunga comes from a Tongva village that once stood in this area, connecting the dam to the region's Indigenous heritage. Today, locals view the structure as part of their community's story and connection to the land.

The surrounding area offers several hiking trails and viewpoints where you can see the structure and mountain landscape clearly. If you want to get closer, approach on foot or by vehicle using local roads and look for parking near the site.

During the 1938 flood disaster, this dam played a crucial role by stopping massive debris flows that could have destroyed the communities below. This performance made it an overlooked lifesaver for the region's settlements.