Bradbury
Key Takeaway
Bradbury is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 279 ft (taller than 98% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 3,350 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 206.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 172.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,090 acres |
| Drainage Area | 417 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 159,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10136 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bradbury?
Bradbury 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 Bradbury?
Bradbury is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bradbury built?
Bradbury was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Bradbury?
Bradbury serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bradbury?
Bradbury has a dam height of 279 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 Bradbury last inspected?
Bradbury was last inspected on August 24, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.