Little Panoche Detention dam
Little Panoche Detention
Little Panoche Detention is a key flood risk reduction structure located in Fresno, California, along the Little Panoche Creek. Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, this earth dam stands at a height of 151 feet and spans a length of 1440 feet, with a storage capacity of 13,240 acre-feet. Completed in 1966, it serves as a crucial component in managing water resources in the region, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
The dam's high hazard potential underscores its importance in protecting downstream communities from potential flooding events. With a moderate risk assessment rating, ongoing inspections and emergency preparedness measures are essential for ensuring the structure's continued safety and effectiveness. Despite its age, Little Panoche Detention remains a vital asset for water resource management in the area, showcasing the Bureau of Reclamation's commitment to safeguarding the surrounding environment and communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Overall, Little Panoche Detention stands as a significant example of federal investment in water infrastructure, highlighting the critical role of flood risk reduction structures in addressing climate-related challenges. As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the maintenance and operation of such structures will be essential in ensuring the resilience of water systems and the protection of vulnerable communities.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Little Panoche Detention -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Panoche C A I-5 Nr Silver Creek Ca | · | → |
| San Joaquin R Nr Mendota Ca | 149 cfs | → |
| San Benito R Nr Willow Creek School Ca | 35 cfs | → |
| Tres Pinos C Nr Tres Pinos Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Clear C Nr Idria Ca | 1 cfs | → |
| Salt Slough A Hwy 165 Nr Stevinson Ca | 19 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Little Panoche Detention.
Campgrounds
- Mercey Hot Springs
- Los Banos Creek - San Luis Reservoir
- Basalt State Rec Area - San Luis Reservoir
- Medeiros State Rec Area - San Luis Reservoir
- San Luis Creek - San Luis Reservoir
- Oak Flat Campground
Fishing spots
- Los Banos Reservoir
- O&Acute;Neill Forebay
- Oneill Forebay
- San Luis Reservoir
- San Justo Reservoir
- Coyote Lake
Paddle runs
Track Little Panoche Detention in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Little Panoche Detention
Where does the data for Little Panoche Detention come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Little Panoche Detention.