Pine Flat Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Pine Flat Dam, also known as Pine Flat Lake, is a gravity dam located in Sanger, California, along the Kings River.


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Summary

Completed in 1954 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam primarily serves flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and recreation purposes. Standing at 412 feet tall with a structural height of 440 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of up to 1,091,700 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 391,000 cubic feet per second.

With a Hazard Potential rating of High, Pine Flat Dam is continuously monitored and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to mitigate flood risks. The dam's emergency action plan is regularly updated, and risk management measures are implemented to ensure the structural integrity of the dam and the safety of the surrounding communities. Despite its flood risk reduction capabilities, the dam has limited capacity to store water, and releases may be necessary to manage water levels and prevent structural issues during severe weather events. Overall, Pine Flat Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

1840

Dam Height

412

River Or Stream

KINGS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

5970

Hydraulic Height

424

Drainage Area

1542

Nid Storage

1000000

Structural Height

440

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

440
       
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.