Big Creek Dam No. 5
Big Creek Dam No. 5 is a concrete dam located in Fresno County, California, built in 1921. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Big Creek Dam No. 5
The primary purpose of Big Creek Dam No. 5 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 Southern California Edison Company (private). It impounds the Big Creek near Big Creek.
The dam stands 60 feet tall and stretches 224 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 74 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 125 square miles. Completed in 1921, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/02/2023.
At 60 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Fresno |
| Nearest City | Big Creek |
| River/Stream | Big Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.20030, -119.30780 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 60 ft |
| Dam Height | 60 ft |
| Dam Length | 224 ft |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 74 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 74 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 42 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 125 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 15,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Southern California Edison Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/02/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00431 |
| Federal ID | CA00431 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |