Bravo Lake Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bravo Lake Reservoir, located in Woodlake, California, is a privately owned earth dam structure built in 1980 primarily for water supply purposes, serving both irrigation and water supply needs.


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Summary

With a height of 24 feet and a hydraulic height of 21 feet, the reservoir has a storage capacity of 3,427 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 311 acres. The dam's high hazard potential is offset by its satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and subject to state regulation and inspection, Bravo Lake Reservoir plays a crucial role in water resource management in Tulare County. It is situated on the Wutchumna Ditch, with a drainage area of 5.6 square miles. Despite its remote location, the reservoir is a vital component of the local water supply infrastructure, ensuring reliable water availability for agricultural and municipal needs in the region.

As a key player in the Sacramento District, Bravo Lake Reservoir is overseen by state agencies for safety and compliance, with regular inspections to maintain its functionality and mitigate potential risks. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the reservoir serves as a valuable resource for water management and climate resilience efforts in the area, highlighting the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1780

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

Wutchumna Ditch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

311

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

5.6

Nid Storage

3427

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.