Littlerock Dam Celebrates 100th Anniversary by Palmdale Water District Jun 4, 2024 Member Submitted News PALMDALE – With the serene blue water of the reservoir serving as the backdrop, nearly 100 dignitaries, community members and water agency staff gathered this past weekend to commemorate Littlerock Dam’s centennial. Palmdale Water District (PWD) and Littlerock Creek Irrigation District (LCID) hosted the celebration on June 1 to mark the exact day 100 years ago that the state of California gave permission for the Littlerock Dam to begin service. For the past century, the dam has continuously provided water for PWD and LCID customers while also controlling floods. “What an honor it was to celebrate the Littlerock Dam’s very important milestone with everyone,” said PWD Board President Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez. “It was a day to remember those who built the dam 100 years ago and our predecessors who made all the right decisions to keep the dam in working condition. We also heard verbal commits to re-open the area for recreation, which I wholeheartedly support.” Attendees included California Senator Scott Wilk, who recalled many visits to the Littlerock Dam as a child with his father, and Assemblymember Tom Lackey. They joined Assemblymember Juan Carrillo’s field representative in presenting PWD and LCID with a Joint Resolution from the Legislature. The offices of U.S. Congressman Mike Garcia and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also provided a certificate and scrolls, respectively, from their representatives. Following all the speakers’ support for re-opening of the dam, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Manager Matthew Bokach told the crowd that his office is working hard to see the popular landmark open for recreation. Since 2015, it has been closed by the U.S. Forest Service because of health and safety issues. PWD General Manager Dennis D. LaMoreaux briefly shared the dam’s history while welcoming the guests. “We need to recognize and remember the Bent Brothers and their staff of skilled workers,” LaMoreaux said. “It’s hard for us to imagine what equipment and methods they used to build this immense structure in just two years. What we can see is its enduring quality and workmanship. Despite the required changes over the past century, the original dam still holds the water needed to serve our communities.” For the past century, the Littlerock Dam and Reservoir has played an important role in the growth and success of Palmdale, Littlerock and other communities in the southern Antelope Valley. It was built on Little Rock Creek to store water for agricultural use and provide some flood control. Construction of the Littlerock Dam began in 1922 and was completed in two years. Plans for the dam began six years earlier in 1918 when the Palmdale Water Company, PWD’s predecessor, and LCID hired engineer John S. Eastwood to design a 182-foot-tall, multi-arch dam on Little Rock Creek with a capacity to hold 7,460 acre-feet of water. It would be the tallest multi-arch dam in the country. Following the official program, guests enjoyed lunch provided by Smash Bros. food truck and cold treats from Kona Ice. PWD also had historical photos of the dam displayed, a painting of the Littlerock Dam by former PWD Director Gloria Dizmang and a plaque commemorating the 100th anniversary. Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer care; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water-use efficiency; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. For more information about PWD, visit www.palmdalewater.org. ###