Twitchell Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Twitchell Reservoir, located in California's San Joaquin Valley, was built in 1960 as part of the Central Valley Project.


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Summary

The reservoir is fed by the Kaweah River and serves as a water storage facility for irrigation and municipal water supply. The hydrology of the reservoir is heavily influenced by the surface flow of the Kaweah River and the snowpack from the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. The reservoir provides water to local agricultural communities and supplies drinking water to the city of Visalia. In terms of recreational use, Twitchell Reservoir is popular for fishing, boating, and camping. The reservoir has a capacity of 129,000 acre-feet and covers an area of 1,280 acres.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
Minimum 70,462.0 acre-ft
2023-01-29
Maximum 118,230.0 acre-ft
2023-03-24
Average acre-ft
Dam_Height 241
Hydraulic_Height 207
Drainage_Area 1135
Year_Completed 1958
Nid_Storage 398120
Structural_Height 241
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Foundations Rock
Surface_Area 9448
Hazard_Potential High
River_Or_Stream CUYAMA RIVER
Dam_Length 1804
Nid_Height 241
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
Inflow Levels

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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Area Campgrounds