Hernandez

San Benito River· San Benito, California· Built 1962· Earth· 124 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Hernandez is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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	124 ft (taller than 86.4% in CA)
Dam Length	950 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	18.0K acre-ft

Surface Area	590 acres
Drainage Area	85 sq mi
Year Completed	1962 (64 years old)
NID ID	CA00848

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: May 25, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

San Benito County Water District

Local Government

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hernandez?

Hernandez 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 Hernandez?

Hernandez is owned by San Benito County Water District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hernandez built?

Hernandez was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Hernandez?

Hernandez serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Hernandez?

Hernandez has a dam height of 124 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 Hernandez last inspected?

Hernandez was last inspected on May 25, 2022. 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.