Summary
2, located in Kings County, California along the South Fork Kings River, is a vital structure designed primarily for flood risk reduction. Constructed in 1938, this buttress dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a hydraulic height of 12.5 feet, providing a storage capacity of 480 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition with a low hazard potential, as evidenced by its last inspection in February 2020.
Owned and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), Empire Weir No. 2 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Its strategic location in Stratford, California, underscores its importance in safeguarding both urban and agricultural areas. With a history of successful flood risk reduction and irrigation support, this dam serves as a testament to effective water resource management in the region.
As a public utility structure, Empire Weir No. 2 not only meets regulatory standards for inspection and enforcement but also exemplifies the collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies in ensuring the safety and functionality of water infrastructure. With its solid construction and reliable performance, this dam stands as a testament to the resilience and effectiveness of water resource management in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the sustainable use of water in the region.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
185 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
Sfk Kings River |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
97 |
Hydraulic Height |
12.5 |
Nid Storage |
480 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Empire Weir No. 2