Imperial Diversion, located in Imperial, California, is a federal irrigation structure along the Colorado River designed by the Bureau of Reclamation and completed in 1937.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 85 feet and a storage capacity of 160,000 acre-feet, this buttress dam serves the primary purpose of providing water for agricultural irrigation in the region. Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, this structure has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, making it a critical piece of infrastructure for water resource management in the area.
The Imperial Diversion plays a vital role in water distribution and storage, with a normal storage capacity of 74,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 7,000 acres. Despite its age, the dam has been inspected regularly by the Bureau of Reclamation, with the last inspection conducted in July 2020. While its condition assessment is currently unavailable, emergency action plans have been prepared and updated to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding communities in the event of a potential hazard.
Operating under the jurisdiction of the Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Imperial Diversion stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity of its time and continues to serve as a crucial resource for irrigation purposes in the region. With its strategic location along the Colorado River and its significant storage capacity, this structure remains a cornerstone of water management in Imperial County, California, contributing to the sustainable development and utilization of water resources amidst a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
3475 |
Dam Height |
85 |
River Or Stream |
COLORADO RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
7000 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
5756 |
Nid Storage |
160000 |
Structural Height |
85 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
85 |