Friant Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Friant, also known as Millerton Lake, is a federal-owned water resource located in Fresno, California.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1942, stands at a height of 299 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, irrigation, recreation, and water supply. With a maximum storage capacity of 555,500 acre-feet and a normal storage of 520,500 acre-feet, Friant plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Situated on the San Joaquin River, Friant covers an impressive surface area of 4,900 acres and has a drainage area of 1,633 square miles. The dam is primarily managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees its operations, inspections, and regulatory matters. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Available," highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and supporting water supply needs in the area.

Overall, Friant represents a vital infrastructure project in California, providing essential water management services for irrigation, recreation, and flood risk reduction. As climate change continues to impact water resources in the region, the importance of maintaining and optimizing the dam's functionality becomes increasingly critical to ensure water security and resilience for the surrounding communities. With its rich history and significant role in water resource management, Friant remains a key asset in the state's efforts to adapt to changing climate conditions and ensure sustainable water management practices for the future.

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

3488

Dam Height

299

River Or Stream

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

4900

Hydraulic Height

295

Drainage Area

1633

Nid Storage

555500

Structural Height

319

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

319
       
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.