Buena Vista
Key Takeaway
Buena Vista is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 14 ft (taller than 6.7% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 24,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 980 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00721 |
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
Kern County Parks and Recreation
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Buena Vista?
Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista?
Buena Vista is owned by Kern County Parks and Recreation (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Buena Vista built?
Buena Vista was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Buena Vista?
Buena Vista serves the following purposes: Other, Irrigation, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Buena Vista?
Buena Vista has a dam height of 14 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 Buena Vista last inspected?
Buena Vista was last inspected on June 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.