Los Banos Creek Detention Dam
Key Takeaway
Los Banos Creek Detention Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 | 167 ft (taller than 92.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,370 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 51.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 34.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 782 acres |
| Drainage Area | 156 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10167 |
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 Los Banos Creek Detention Dam?
Los Banos Creek Detention Dam 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 Los Banos Creek Detention Dam?
Los Banos Creek Detention Dam is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Los Banos Creek Detention Dam built?
Los Banos Creek Detention Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Los Banos Creek Detention Dam?
Los Banos Creek Detention Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Los Banos Creek Detention Dam?
Los Banos Creek Detention Dam has a dam height of 167 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 Los Banos Creek Detention Dam last inspected?
Los Banos Creek Detention Dam was last inspected on March 3, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.