IRWD owns and operates five dams that require an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), including San Joaquin Dam, Sand Canyon Dam, Syphon Dam, Rattlesnake Dam, and Santiago Creek Dam.
In 2017, SB 92 became law and set forth new requirements focused on dam safety. As part of this legislation, dam owners must submit an EAP to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for review and approval. Additionally, dam owners must submit updated plans and inundation maps every 10 years.
Rattlesnake
EAP approved May 2025
San Joaquin
EAP approved May 2025
Sand Canyon
EAP approved May 2025
Santiago Creek (Irvine Lake)
EAP approved January 2025
Syphon
EAP approved May 2025
All IRWD dams have inundation maps that have been approved by the DWR Division of Safety of Dams. To learn how inundation maps are prepared and to understand their purposes and limitations, go to our inundation mapping explainer. To download inundation maps from throughout California, use DSOD’s interactive tool.
An EAP is a written document that identifies potential emergency conditions at a dam and specifies preplanned actions to help minimize property damage and loss of life should those conditions occur. EAPs contain procedures and information that instruct dam owners to issue early warning and notification messages to downstream emergency management authorities. The document must also contain inundation maps demonstrating critical areas for evacuation-related actions. Additionally, EAPs also provide assistance and guidance to local jurisdictions on their emergency planning for a dam failure event and identify local, state, and federal agencies with activities to ensure effective dam incident emergency response procedures and planning.
Sections 6160 and 6161 of the California Water Code and Government Code Section 8589.5 require owners of state regulated dams to submit EAPs to Cal OES and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD).
IRWD has five jurisdictional dams that require an EAP including San Joaquin Dam, Sand Canyon Dam, Syphon Dam, Rattlesnake Dam, and Santiago Creek Dam.
In the unlikely event of an emergency, call IRWD Operations Standby at 949-453-5300
