Pine Flat Dam

KINGS RIVER· Fresno, California· Built 1954· Gravity· 412 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Irrigation Recreation Hydroelectric Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Pine Flat Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 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 412 ft (taller than 99.4% in CA)
Dam Length1,840 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage1.1M acre-ft
Normal Storage772.3K acre-ft
Surface Area5,970 acres
Drainage Area1,542 sq mi
Max Discharge391,000 cfs
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDCA10112

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 20, 2021
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Sacramento District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pine Flat Dam?

Pine Flat 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 Pine Flat Dam?

Pine Flat Dam is owned by USACE - Sacramento District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pine Flat Dam built?

Pine Flat Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Pine Flat Dam?

Pine Flat Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pine Flat Dam?

Pine Flat Dam has a dam height of 412 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 Pine Flat Dam last inspected?

Pine Flat Dam was last inspected on May 20, 2021. 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.