Kerckhoff
Kerckhoff is a concrete dam located in Madera County, California, built in 1920. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Kerckhoff
The primary purpose of Kerckhoff 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 San Joaquin River near Friant.
The dam stands 114 feet tall and stretches 507 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 160 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,252 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,461 square miles. Completed in 1920, 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 07/17/2019.
At 114 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Madera |
| Nearest City | Friant |
| River/Stream | San Joaquin River |
| Coordinates | 37.12821, -119.52548 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 114 ft |
| Dam Height | 114 ft |
| Dam Length | 507 ft |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,252 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,252 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 160 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,461 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 75,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/17/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00340 |
| Federal ID | CA00340 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |