The Castaic Lake Dam is expected to be modernized to prevent malfunction in the event of an emergency, officials said.

The California Department of Water Resources is conducting a stream release structure investigation, according to the organization.

The investigation plans to cover and modernize the structure and function of the Castaic Dam in case of heavy earthquake damage or malfunctioning errors.

As part of a statewide effort to reduce seismic and hydrologic risk to State Water Project facilities, the California DWR’s Castaic Dam Modernization Program began last week with an assessment of a stream release structure at Castaic Dam in Los Angeles County, officials said.

Dam hydrologic risks come with age and outdated construction of dams and are prevented with modernization and upkeep.

DWR plans to assess the integrity of a 60-foot-wide rectangular concrete chute used to pass natural flows from Castaic Lake into Castaic Lagoon.

“DWR continues to move forward in the modernization of SWP facilities and will be assessing possible improvements to Castaic Dam to mitigate impacts due to an extreme weather event or earthquake,” said Ted Craddock, DWR acting state water project deputy director. “The primary objective for the Castaic Dam Modernization Program is to identify and make improvements that will ensure public safety and a reliable water supply.”

The Castaic Dam Modernization Program also includes seismic retrofits to the inlet tower access bridge, evaluation of the spillway to identify and implement necessary improvements, and earthquake analyses on various dam components.

Seismic retrofits are used to prevent damages and help constant function in cases of damages.

The planned assessment work is planned to be completed by 2022 and may require drill rigs and other large machinery. After completing the assessments, DWR plans to develop and implement projects to modernize the structures at Castaic Dam, officials said.

The Modernization Program is expected to take approximately 10 years to complete. Localized noise and increased activity at the site are expected during this period. Depending on the rehabilitation efforts necessary, Castaic Lake drawdowns may occur for short periods of time officials said.

Ensuring continued dam safety, DWR routinely monitors and inspects Castaic Dam, implementing preventative measures as conditions change.

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