Upper Franklin Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Franklin Dam is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 40 ft (taller than 46.3% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 260 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 155 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 40 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 192 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1983 |
| NID ID | CA00085 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
DOI NPS
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Lower Franklin No. 2
Los Angeles, CA
Low Hazard 49 ftLower Franklin
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High Hazard 103 ftGreystone Reservoir
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High Hazard 75 ftUpper Stone Canyon
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Low Hazard 111 ftStone Canyon
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High Hazard 188 ftUpper Hollywood
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Low Hazard 87 ftSepulveda Dam
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High Hazard 57 ftMulholland
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High Hazard 195 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Franklin Dam?
Upper Franklin Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Upper Franklin Dam?
Upper Franklin Dam is owned by DOI NPS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Franklin Dam built?
Upper Franklin Dam was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Upper Franklin Dam?
Upper Franklin Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Upper Franklin Dam?
Upper Franklin Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Upper Franklin Dam last inspected?
Upper Franklin Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.