Whispering Oaks

Bear Creek· Mariposa, California· Built 1968· Gravity· 31 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Whispering Oaks is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 32.8% in CA)
Dam Length250 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage69 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area27 sq mi
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDCA01346

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 10, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Whispering Oaks West Homeowner's Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Whispering Oaks?

Whispering Oaks is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Whispering Oaks?

Whispering Oaks is owned by Whispering Oaks West Homeowner's Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Whispering Oaks built?

Whispering Oaks was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Whispering Oaks?

Whispering Oaks 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 Whispering Oaks?

Whispering Oaks has a dam height of 31 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 Whispering Oaks last inspected?

Whispering Oaks was last inspected on May 10, 2022. 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.