The dam was constructed in 1953 and is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is 190 feet high and 1,550 feet long. The reservoir created by the dam, Lake Isabella, has a capacity of 568,000 acre-feet and is used for flood control, irrigation, and recreation. The hydrology of the area is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. The Kern River and its tributaries are the primary surface water providers for the area, while snowpack from the Sierra Nevada Mountains also contributes to the water supply. The dam provides water for agricultural purposes in the region, including crops such as alfalfa, cotton, and citrus. Recreational activities at Lake Isabella include fishing, boating, and camping.
| Storage 24hr Change | -1.02% |
| Percent of Normal | 290% |
| Minimum |
30,158.0 acre-ft
2015-10-02 |
| Maximum |
550,002.0 acre-ft
2023-07-24 |
| Average | 115,175 acre-ft |
| Nid_Height | 185 |
| Hydraulic_Height | 173 |
| Drainage_Area | 2074 |
| Year_Completed | 1953 |
| Dam_Height | 98 |
| Structural_Height | 185 |
| River_Or_Stream | KERN RIVER |
| Primary_Dam_Type | Earth |
| Surface_Area | 11200 |
| Hazard_Potential | High |
| Nid_Storage | 568000 |
| Dam_Length | 1695 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Auxiliary Dam Campground
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Main Dam
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Pioneer Point
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Pioneer Point Campground
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French Gulch Group Campground
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Auxiliary Dam
|