Big Dry Creek
Big Dry Creek is an earth dam located in Fresno County, California, built in 1948. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Big Dry Creek
The primary purpose of Big Dry Creek is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District (public utility). It impounds the Big Dry Cr & Dog Cr near Clovis, Fresno.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 25,300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,151 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 30,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 82 square miles. Completed in 1948, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 09/11/2024.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The California dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Fresno |
| Nearest City | Clovis, Fresno |
| River/Stream | Big Dry Cr & Dog Cr |
| Coordinates | 36.88740, -119.66030 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 25,300 ft |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 30,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 30,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,151 acres |
| Drainage Area | 82 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/11/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01075 |
| Federal ID | CA01075 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |