Twitchell
Key Takeaway
Twitchell is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 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 | 241 ft (taller than 96.7% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,804 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 398.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 151.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9,448 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,135 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 26,350 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10197 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Twitchell?
Twitchell 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 Twitchell?
Twitchell is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Twitchell built?
Twitchell was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Twitchell?
Twitchell serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Twitchell?
Twitchell has a dam height of 241 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 Twitchell last inspected?
Twitchell was last inspected on August 24, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.