Kern River County Park
Key Takeaway
Kern River County Park is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 24 ft (taller than 22.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 4,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 790 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 113 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00720 |
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
Kern County Parks and Recreation
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kern River County Park?
Kern River County Park 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 Kern River County Park?
Kern River County Park is owned by Kern County Parks and Recreation (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kern River County Park built?
Kern River County Park was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Kern River County Park?
Kern River County Park serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Kern River County Park?
Kern River County Park has a dam height of 24 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 Kern River County Park last inspected?
Kern River County Park was last inspected on May 18, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.