Sequoia Lake dam
Sequoia Lake
Sequoia Lake, nestled in Fresno, California, is a private water resource gem that has been serving as a vital source of water supply since its completion in 1888. With a dam height of 51 feet and a storage capacity of 1370 acre-feet, this Earth dam stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Mill Flat Creek, Sequoia Lake not only fulfills its primary purpose of water supply but also offers recreational opportunities to visitors, boasting a surface area of 200 acres for exploration and enjoyment.
Managed by the California Department of Water Resources and subject to rigorous state regulations and inspections, Sequoia Lake ensures the safety and security of its infrastructure. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with the last inspection conducted in June 2020. As climate change impacts water resources worldwide, the significance of well-maintained reservoirs like Sequoia Lake becomes increasingly apparent, highlighting the critical role they play in ensuring water security for communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving weather patterns and hydrological dynamics.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the intricate details of Sequoia Lake's design and operation, they can appreciate the historical and environmental significance of this reservoir. With its rich history dating back over a century, Sequoia Lake stands as a testament to the enduring importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving climatic challenges. By embracing innovation and adherence to regulatory standards, Sequoia Lake continues to serve as a vital water resource for the community of Miramonte and beyond, embodying the resilience and adaptability necessary in the age of climate uncertainty.
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 Sequoia Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Marble Fork Kaweah R Ab Horse C Nr Lodgepole Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| San Joaquin R Bl Friant Ca | 314 cfs | → |
| Sf Tule R Nr Reservation Bndry Nr Porterville Ca | 12 cfs | → |
| Sf Tule R Nr Cholollo Campground Nr Porterville Ca | 10 cfs | → |
| Nf Willow C Nr Sugar Pine Ca | 416 cfs | → |
| Deer C Nr Fountain Springs Ca | 7 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sequoia Lake.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Sequoia Lake
Where does the data for Sequoia Lake 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 below 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.
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.