Berrenda Mesa
Berrenda Mesa is an earth dam located in Kern County, California, built in 1967. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Berrenda Mesa
The primary purpose of Berrenda Mesa 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 Berrenda Mesa Water District (public utility). It impounds the Unnamed.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 2,550 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 40 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1967, 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 01/14/2025.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Kern |
| River/Stream | Unnamed |
| Coordinates | 35.70460, -120.02670 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,550 ft |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 40 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Berrenda Mesa Water District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/14/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00884 |
| Federal ID | CA00884 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |