Redbank Creek Detention Basin
Redbank Creek Detention Basin is an earth dam located in Fresno County, California, built in 1990. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Redbank Creek Detention Basin
The primary purpose of Redbank Creek Detention Basin 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 Redbank Creek near Fresno.
The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 6,619 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 176 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 940 acre-feet. Completed in 1990, the structure is 36 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. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/11/2024.
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 | Fresno |
| River/Stream | Redbank Creek |
| Coordinates | 36.77030, -119.65630 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 17 ft |
| Dam Height | 17 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,619 ft |
| Year Completed | 1990 (36 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 940 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 940 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 176 acres |
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 | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01331 |
| Federal ID | CA01331 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |