Big Four Ranch
Big Four Ranch is an earth dam located in Kern County, California, built in 1970. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Big Four Ranch
The primary purpose of Big Four Ranch is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Kern-tulare Water District (public utility). It impounds the Unnamed.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 1,200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 24 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 312 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1970, 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 01/15/2025.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Kern |
| River/Stream | Unnamed |
| Coordinates | 35.74940, -119.08730 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 312 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 312 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 24 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Kern-Tulare Water District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/15/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00722 |
| Federal ID | CA00722 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |