Elk Bayou Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 28, 2025

Elk Bayou, located in Tulare, California, is a concrete dam completed in 1903 primarily designed for flood risk reduction along Elk Bayou.


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Summary

Standing at 16 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 12 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction and irrigation. Owned and regulated by the local government, Elk Bayou Dam is in a satisfactory condition and has a low hazard potential, making it a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the area.

Managed by the Sacramento District, Elk Bayou Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. With state-regulated inspections and enforcement in place, the dam ensures the safety and security of the community and nearby agricultural lands. The dam's strategic location and design contribute to its effectiveness in reducing flood risks and providing necessary water resources for irrigation purposes, highlighting its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Despite its age, Elk Bayou Dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction efficiently. With regular inspections and satisfactory condition assessments, the dam remains a reliable infrastructure for safeguarding the local community against potential hazards. As climate change poses new challenges to water resource management, Elk Bayou Dam stands as a testament to effective infrastructure design and maintenance in ensuring the resilience of the region's water supply and flood protection systems.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

104

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Elk Bayou

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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