Kern River No. 1 Forebay Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kern River No.


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Summary

1 Forebay is a private concrete gravity dam located in Kern County, California. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 1 acre-foot. While the specific year of completion is not provided, the dam has been inspected as recently as September 2020, with a significant hazard potential noted.

This structure plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, although details about its primary purpose and associated structures are not specified. With its location in the Sacramento District and under federal oversight, Kern River No. 1 Forebay serves as a key component of the local water infrastructure. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2020, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and risk management in case of any unforeseen events.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intricate details of dam infrastructure will find Kern River No. 1 Forebay to be a fascinating subject of study. Despite the lack of certain information such as the year of completion and specific purposes, the dam's significant hazard potential and federal oversight add layers of complexity to its role in water storage and management. As a vital part of the region's water infrastructure, this concrete gravity dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures for the safety and security of surrounding communities.

Dam Height

10

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1

Nid Storage

1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.