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Humidity
Balch Afterbay, located in Fresno, California, near Balch Camp, is a private hydroelectric facility along the North Fork Kings River.
Completed in 1928, this concrete dam stands at a height of 165 feet and has a storage capacity of 325 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 317 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 43,000 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Balch Afterbay serves as a significant water storage and hydroelectric generation facility. Despite its age, the dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk rating of 3. Regular inspections by state and federal agencies ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and multi-arch core design further highlight its importance in managing water flow in the region.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Balch Afterbay plays a vital role in regulating water levels and generating hydroelectric power. With its strategic location and design features, this dam stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity of its time and continues to be a crucial asset in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in California.
Year Completed |
1928 |
Dam Length |
237.5 |
Dam Height |
165 |
River Or Stream |
North Fork Kings River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
164 |
Drainage Area |
13 |
Nid Storage |
325 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
165 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Gravel Flat Camping Area
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Green Cabin Flat Campground
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Bear Wallow Camping Area
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Mill Flat Campground
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Camp 4 1/2 Cabin
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Camp 4 Campground
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Outlet Of Martha Lake (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Northwestern Boundary Of Kings Canyon National Park
Blarney Meadows To South End Of Florence Lake
Hot Springs Area To West End Of Blarney River
Northwest Boundary Of Nf/Kings Canyon Np To Hot Springs Area
Wilderness Boundary Just Below Tokopah Falls (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Confluence With The Middle Fork Kaweah River
Lake 10,559 (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Wilderness Boundary Just Below Tokopah Falls