Wishon Forebay
Wishon Forebay is an earth dam located in Madera County, California, built in 1896. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Wishon Forebay
The primary purpose of Wishon Forebay is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Pacific Gas And Electric Company (private). It impounds the North Fork Willow Creek near Friant.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 1,572 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 69 acre-feet. Completed in 1896, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 09/05/2023.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Madera |
| Nearest City | Friant |
| River/Stream | North Fork Willow Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.15900, -119.49630 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,572 ft |
| Year Completed | 1896 (130 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 69 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 69 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 69 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Max Discharge | 1,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/05/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00338 |
| Federal ID | CA00338 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |