Empire Weir No. 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Empire Weir No. 2 Crescent Weir
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Empire Weir No.
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Summary
1, located in Kings County, California, along the South Fork Kings River, was completed in 1906 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. This buttress dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15.5 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Managed by a public utility, Empire Weir No. 1 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flood events while also supporting irrigation activities in the region. With a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017, this historical dam continues to serve its intended purposes effectively. However, the lack of specific spillway information and the absence of associated structures raise questions about its full operational capabilities and emergency preparedness measures.
As part of the Sacramento District, Empire Weir No. 1 falls under state regulation by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) for dam safety. With Congressman TJ Cox overseeing the area, the dam's location in the city of Stratford underscores its importance in managing water resources and mitigating climate-related risks. Enthusiasts in water resource management and climate adaptation can appreciate the historical significance and ongoing monitoring efforts of Empire Weir No. 1 in safeguarding the local community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1906 |
Dam Length |
77 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
Sfk Kings River |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
15.5 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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. 1