Don Pedro Main
Key Takeaway
Don Pedro Main is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 | 585 ft (taller than 99.8% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,900 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.3M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.0M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,540 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 609,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00281 |
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
Turlock Irrigation District
Public Utility
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High Hazard 60 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Don Pedro Main?
Don Pedro Main 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 Don Pedro Main?
Don Pedro Main is owned by Turlock Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Don Pedro Main built?
Don Pedro Main was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Don Pedro Main?
Don Pedro Main serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Don Pedro Main?
Don Pedro Main has a dam height of 585 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 Don Pedro Main last inspected?
Don Pedro Main was last inspected on July 6, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.