Whispering Oaks
Whispering Oaks is a gravity dam located in Mariposa County, California, built in 1968. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Whispering Oaks
The primary purpose of Whispering Oaks 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 Whispering Oaks West Homeowner's Association (private). It impounds the Bear Creek.
The dam stands 31 feet tall and stretches 250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 8 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 69 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 26 square miles. Completed in 1968, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 12/19/2024.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Mariposa |
| River/Stream | Bear Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.47030, -120.11220 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 69 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 69 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Whispering Oaks West Homeowner's Association |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/19/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01346 |
| Federal ID | CA01346 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |