Bishop Creek Intake No. 2

Bishop Creek Intake No. 2 is an earth dam located in Inyo County, California, built in 1908. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Bishop Creek Intake No. 2

The primary purpose of Bishop Creek Intake No. 2 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 Middle Fork Bishop Creek near Bishop.

The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 443 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 115 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 32 square miles. Completed in 1908, 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/19/2025.

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Significant HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyInyo
Nearest CityBishop
River/StreamMiddle Fork Bishop Creek
Coordinates37.24790, -118.58110

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height30 ft
Dam Height30 ft
Dam Length443 ft
Year Completed1908 (118 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage115 acre-ft
Max Storage115 acre-ft
Normal Storage115 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area32 sq mi
Max Discharge4,800 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerSouthern California Edison Company
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection08/19/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA00449
Federal IDCA00449
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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