Los Banos Creek Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Los Banos Creek Detention Dam, located in Los Banos, California, is a federal-owned earth dam designed for flood risk reduction along the Los Banos Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1965 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this dam stands at a height of 167 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 51,920 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 34,500 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

This high-hazard potential dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 8,600 cubic feet per second. While its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, the dam also offers recreational opportunities in the area. Despite its age, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available, and the last inspection was conducted in March 2020. With a moderate risk rating and emergency action plan last revised in May 2017, Los Banos Creek Detention Dam remains an essential structure for water resource management in Merced County.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Los Banos Creek Detention Dam serves as a significant example of federal infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks and manage water levels in California. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, this earth dam continues to play a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. As a key feature in the Bureau of Reclamation's portfolio, the dam's operational and regulatory aspects are overseen by the federal agency, ensuring its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction and water resource management.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1370

Dam Height

167

River Or Stream

LOS BANOS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

782

Hydraulic Height

150

Drainage Area

156

Nid Storage

51920

Structural Height

167

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

167
       
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.