Bethany Forebay
Key Takeaway
Bethany Forebay is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 95 ft (taller than 80.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 695 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 163 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00033 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
California Department of Water Resources
State Government
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 34 ftDyer
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High Hazard 30 ftPatterson
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High Hazard 39 ftMaria
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High Hazard 48 ftLos Vaqueros
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High Hazard 231 ftMarsh Creek
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High Hazard 59 ftDry Creek
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High Hazard 30 ftDeer Creek
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High Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bethany Forebay?
Bethany Forebay is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bethany Forebay?
Bethany Forebay is owned by California Department of Water Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bethany Forebay built?
Bethany Forebay was completed in 1961, making it 65 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bethany Forebay?
Bethany Forebay serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bethany Forebay?
Bethany Forebay has a dam height of 95 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bethany Forebay last inspected?
Bethany Forebay was last inspected on October 26, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.