Crane Valley

North Fork Willow Creek· Madera, California· Built 1910· 145 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Crane Valley is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 145 ft (taller than 89.3% in CA)
Dam Length1,880 ft
Max Storage45.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage45.4K acre-ft
Surface Area1,165 acres
Drainage Area40 sq mi
Max Discharge27,000 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDCA00337

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 5, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Crane Valley?

Crane Valley 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 Crane Valley?

Crane Valley is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Crane Valley built?

Crane Valley was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Crane Valley?

Crane Valley serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Crane Valley?

Crane Valley has a dam height of 145 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 Crane Valley last inspected?

Crane Valley was last inspected on September 5, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.