Richard L. Schafer Dam - Frazier Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Richard L.


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Summary

Schafer Dam - Frazier Dike, located in Porterville, California, was completed in 1961 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to primarily reduce flood risk along the Tule River. This earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and has a storage capacity of 82,300 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 6,540 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and protecting downstream areas from potential flooding events.

USACE actively manages the dam's flood risk by conducting regular inspections, monitoring its structural integrity, and collaborating with local emergency managers to ensure preparedness and response plans are in place. The agency prioritizes maintenance and repair activities to address potential risks and engages with the public to raise awareness about the dam's functions and safety measures. Despite the dam's risk management strategies, USACE acknowledges that extreme weather events can pose challenges and lead to controlled releases or potential issues, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptive measures.

Overall, the Richard L. Schafer Dam - Frazier Dike serves as a critical infrastructure for flood protection in Tulare County, California. Through proactive risk management measures and community engagement, USACE continues to safeguard the dam's operational efficiency and promote safety for surrounding areas during potential emergency situations.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

7760

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

Tule River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

82300

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

42
       
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.