Friant
Key Takeaway
Friant is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 299 ft (taller than 98.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 3,488 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 555.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 520.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4,900 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,633 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1942 (84 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10154 |
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 Friant?
Friant 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 Friant?
Friant is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Friant built?
Friant was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Friant?
Friant serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, 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 Friant?
Friant has a dam height of 299 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 Friant last inspected?
Friant was last inspected on September 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.