Whale Rock Dam, California, USA

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Quick Facts About Whale Rock Dam

Location: San Luis Obispo, California
Coordinates: 35.4478, -120.887
River: Old Creek River
Primary Purpose: Water Supply
Type: Earth
Commissioned: 1960
Dam Height: 193 ft (59 m)
Dam Length: 850 ft (259 m)
Dam Capacity: 40,662 acre-ft (50,156 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Satisfactory

Whale Rock Dam Map

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Whale Rock Dam Information

Whale Rock Dam is an earthen embankment dam located about 0.3 miles from Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, California.

The dam, which is on the Old Creek River, was primarily built for Water Supply purposes, but also serves for Irrigation benefits.

The dam was designed by and commissioned in 1960 and is currently owned by Whale Rock Commission.

Whale Rock Dam Structure

The Whale Rock Dam is approximately 850 feet (259 m) long, 193 feet (59 m) high and has a structural volume of 2,449,800 cubic yards (1,873,007 cubic metres).

Whale Rock Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of acre-ft (0 Ml) and maximum capacity of 40,662 acre-ft (50,156 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 594 acres (240 ha) and the total catchment area is 21 square miles (54 square kilometres).

Whale Rock Dam Spillway

According to the latest available data, the Whale Rock Dam does not have any spillways.

Whale Rock Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

Whale Rock Dam
San Luis Obispo, California
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 193 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 850 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 40,662 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 21 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

Whale Rock Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Whale Rock Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Whale Rock Dam

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Whale Rock Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Whale Rock Dam?

Whale Rock Dam is in California.

In which county is the Whale Rock Dam?

Whale Rock Dam is in San Luis Obispo County.

How high is the Whale Rock Dam?

Whale Rock Dam is 193 feet high.

How long is the Whale Rock Dam?

Whale Rock Dam is 850 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

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.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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