Irrigation Reservoir

Irrigation Reservoir is an earth dam located in Kern County, California, built in 1980. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Irrigation Reservoir

The primary purpose of Irrigation Reservoir 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 City Of Bakersfield (local government). It impounds the Offstream near Bakersfield.

The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 24,260 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 380 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 5,200 acre-feet. Completed in 1980, the structure is 46 years old.

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 05/08/2025.

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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyKern
Nearest CityBakersfield
River/StreamOffstream
Coordinates35.33410, -118.96770

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height22 ft
Dam Height22 ft
Dam Length24,260 ft
Year Completed1980 (46 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage5,200 acre-ft
Max Storage5,200 acre-ft
Surface Area380 acres

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCity of Bakersfield
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection05/08/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA01181
Federal IDCA01181
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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