Isabella Dam, also known as Isabella Lake, is a critical piece of infrastructure in California's Kern County, serving multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and recreation. Completed in 1953 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the earth dam stands at 98 feet high and stretches 1695 feet long, with a storage capacity of 568,000 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1,202,000 acre-feet. However, a risk assessment conducted in 2005 highlighted concerns about the dam's ability to withstand certain scenarios, leading to its classification as high risk.

To address these concerns, ongoing construction efforts are underway to raise both the main and auxiliary dams, enlarge the spillway, reinforce the structure, and improve the filter and drainage systems. The US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages the risk associated with the project through regular maintenance, emergency action plans, and collaboration with local emergency managers. The dam's emergency plan includes 24/7 staff availability, regular inspections, and monitoring of weather forecasts to make informed decisions on dam operations. Despite the high-risk nature of the project, measures are in place to minimize the potential impact on downstream communities in the event of an emergency.