Florence Lake

Big Creek· Fresno, California· Built 1926· Concrete· 149 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Florence Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 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 149 ft (taller than 89.8% in CA)
Dam Length3,156 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage68.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage64.0K acre-ft
Surface Area962 acres
Drainage Area171 sq mi
Max Discharge16,000 cfs
Year Completed1926 (100 years old)
NID IDCA00433

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: August 30, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

Southern California Edison Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Florence Lake?

Florence Lake 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 Florence Lake?

Florence Lake is owned by Southern California Edison Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Florence Lake built?

Florence Lake was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Florence Lake?

Florence Lake 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 Florence Lake?

Florence Lake has a dam height of 149 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 Florence Lake last inspected?

Florence Lake was last inspected on August 30, 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.