Success Dam Reservoir Report

Nearby: Larson

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Success Dam is located in Tulare County, California and was built in 1961 as a part of the Kaweah River flood control plan.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam is 203 feet high and 1,100 feet long, and it impounds the Success Lake with a capacity of 82,000 acre-feet. The hydrology of the dam is supplied by the Kaweah River, which is fed by snowpack from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The dam provides irrigation water for local agriculture, and recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The surface flow of the Kaweah River is also used for hydroelectric power generation. During periods of drought, the lake is used as a water supply for the city of Porterville. In recent years, the dam has undergone upgrades to improve its safety and reliability in the face of increasing drought and climate change.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change -1.29%
Percent of Normal 764%
Minimum 2,901.0 acre-ft
2015-11-01
Maximum 92,775.0 acre-ft
2019-06-24
Average 6,939 acre-ft
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
Inflow Levels

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.