News Release Archive

Reclamation Determines No Corrective Actions Required for Los Banos Detention Dam

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916.978-5100, 07/28/2006 16:45

For Release: July 28, 2006

Based on recently completed flood frequency analyses and flood routing studies, the Bureau of Reclamation has determined that Los Banos Detention Dam does not warrant structural modifications to prevent a flood overtopping failure.

A Comprehensive Facility Review, completed in August 2003, had indicated that the dam might be susceptible to an overtopping failure and gave rise to the flood studies. However, the recent hydrologic studies concluded that the possibility of a flood large enough to overtop the dam was extremely remote and that structural corrective actions are not needed.

Los Banos Detention Dam, located about 7 miles southwest of the City of Los Banos, in Merced County, California, provides flood control protection for the San Luis Canal (California Aqueduct), the City of Los Banos, and adjacent farmlands. The reservoir is also used for recreation managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The dam is a joint-use component of both the Federal Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project. The dam is operated by the California Department of Water Resources.

For additional information, please contact Ms. Julie Carpenter at Reclamation's Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5109, TDD 916-978-5608.

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.