Dams in Madera County, California
21Total Dams
11High Hazard
1Significant
Dam Safety in Madera County, California
Madera County has 21 dams tracked in the National Inventory of Dams. Of these, 11 are classified as high hazard — meaning failure would probably cause loss of human life. Another 1 carry a significant hazard classification.
The average dam in Madera County is 83 years old. The most common purpose is hydroelectric. The tallest dam is Mammoth Pool at 411 ft.
Explore more: Oldest dams in California · Tallest dams · High risk dams · Largest reservoirs
Data note: Hazard potential describes the consequences if a dam failed; it does not predict the likelihood of failure. Inspection, condition, and emergency-plan fields can be incomplete or delayed. Check state dam-safety officials and local emergency managers for official guidance.
| Dam | Hazard | Condition | Height (ft) | Purpose | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mammoth Pool | High | Satisfactory | 411 | Hydroelectric | 1960 |
| Big Creek Dam No. 7 | High | Satisfactory | 250 | Hydroelectric | 1951 |
| Buchanan Dam | High | Not Available | 219 | Flood Risk Reduction | 1975 |
| Hidden Dam | High | Not Available | 184 | Flood Risk Reduction | 1975 |
| Big Creek Dam No. 6 | High | Satisfactory | 155 | Hydroelectric | 1923 |
| Crane Valley | High | Fair | 145 | Hydroelectric | 1910 |
| Upper Wilcox | High | Satisfactory | 48 | Irrigation | 1930 |
| Spring | High | Satisfactory | 41 | Water Supply | 1971 |
| Madera Lake | High | Satisfactory | 31 | Water Supply | 1958 |
| Manzanita Diversion | High | Satisfactory | 30 | Hydroelectric | 1917 |
| Berenda Slough | High | Satisfactory | 21 | Other | 1962 |
| Mendota Diversion | Significant | Satisfactory | 23 | Other | 1917 |
| Kerckhoff | Low | Satisfactory | 114 | Hydroelectric | 1920 |
| Oakhurst Wastewater Treatment | Low | Satisfactory | 60 | Other | 2005 |
| Black Hawk | Low | Satisfactory | 45 | Water Supply | 1971 |
| San Joaquin No. 3 Forebay | Low | Fair | 40 | Hydroelectric | 1906 |
| Lake Jane | Low | Satisfactory | 37 | Water Supply | 1961 |
| Middle Lake | Low | Satisfactory | 26 | Water Supply | 1953 |
| Wishon Forebay | Low | Satisfactory | 15 | Hydroelectric | 1896 |
| Chilkoot | Low | Satisfactory | 11 | Hydroelectric | 1890 |
| Sack | Low | Satisfactory | 9 | Other | 1946 |