The dual walls of the dam were built into an already-existing rock monolith in the center of Malibu Creek; the only place they meet is at the top.

[1] Fish advocates have called for the dam's removal because it is blocking Steelhead trout from accessing the upper reaches of the Malibu Creek watershed.

The US Army Corps of Engineers released a draft in January 2017, entitled the "Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study".

The sediment will be placed to avoid damage to nearshore kelp beds, and to allow the sand to eventually move shoreward and downshore to replenish nearby beaches.

[8] The 1947 Matilija Dam, in the Los Padres National Forest north of Ojai also blocks steelhead trout spawning grounds and is planned for removal.

In April 2023, California State Parks announced that the removal of the dam would go ahead, with design plans, engineering, and permitting complete to 90% by 2026.