Wishon Auxiliary No. 1

About Wishon Auxiliary No. 1

The primary purpose of Wishon Auxiliary No. 1 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 Kings River near Wishon Village.

The dam stands 26 feet tall and stretches 220 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,025 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 133,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 177 square miles. Completed in 1958, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 08/17/2023.

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