What happens if Lake Isabella dam breaks?
What happens if Lake Isabella dam breaks?
If this dam failed it would flood the city with a lake 30 feet deep. That would happen in a very short period of time, measured in minutes not hours or days. 180 billion (as in thousand million) gallons of water would slam down the canyon and hammer the city of 340,000 faster than anyone could act on a warning.
What is wrong with the Lake Isabella dam?
On April 28, 2006, a seepage problem was found in the Isabella Auxiliary Dam. Officials determined that it would be necessary to restrict the maximum reservoir elevation to 20 feet (6.1 m) below the spillway, or normal “full” pool.
When was Lake Isabella dam built?
1953
Isabella Reservoir is located forty miles northeast of Bakersfield, Kern County, California, and consists of an earthfill main dam and auxiliary dam across Kern River and Hot Springs Valley, respectively. The dam was authorized under the Flood Control Act of 1944 and construction was completed in 1953.
Is Lake Isabella still closed?
Area Status: Closed It offers visitor information, interpretive displays, fire permits, Kern river permits, woodcutting permits, Southern Sierra passes, and information about the many recreational opportunities in the Kern River Valley. For more information, call 760-379-5646.
Will Bakersfield flood?
Flood risk is increasing for Bakersfield. in Bakersfield, and within 30 years, about 21,888 will be at risk. Because of changes in the environment, the number of properties at risk in Bakersfield may change in the future.
Can Lake Isabella flood in Bakersfield CA?
One of the two dams at Isabella Lake collapses while the lake behind the dam is full. A wall of water roars down the Kern River Canyon. Flood waters hit northeast Bakersfield within six hours, traveling fast enough and deep enough to knock people off their feet and float a car off its wheels.
How much water is currently stored in Lake Isabella?
1, Isabella will hold about 74,000 acre feet of water, maybe less. For comparison, Isabella Lake at its current restricted pool can hold a maximum 360,000 acre feet.
Where does the water from Lake Isabella come from?
| Lake Isabella | |
|---|---|
| Primary inflows | Upper Kern River, South Fork Kern River |
| Primary outflows | Lower Kern River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 11,000 acres (4,500 ha) |
What is the deepest part of Lake Isabella?
56 m
Isabella Lake/Max depth
Can you have a campfire in Lake Isabella?
Campfires may not be left unattended. They must be “dead out” before leaving your campsite. Campfire permits are required in dispersed camping areas.
Which county is Bakersfield CA in?
Kern County
Bakersfield/Counties
Does Lake Isabella get snow?
Lake Isabella averages 14 inches of snow per year.
Is there a detour at Isabella Lake Dam?
Traffic is reduced to the northbound detour lane for approximately one-tenth of a mile at the main dam and will allow USACE contractors to continue construction on the downstream side of the new main dam right abutment wall.
Why was the Isabella Lake Dam modification needed?
The Isabella Lake Dam safety modification project will address overtopping, seismic and seepage issues identified with Isabella Lake’s main and auxiliary dams to reduce the likelihood of dam failure.
Who is the project manager for Isabella Dam?
A new emergency spillway is under construction at Isabella Dam in the Kern River Valley. According to Anthony Burdock, project manager for the Isabella Dam Safety Modification Project, workers will remove 2.8 million cubic yards of material, nearly as much rock as it took to build the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
When was the Isabella Lake Dam in Bakersfield built?
Completed in 1953, Isabella Lake Dam is located approximately 40 miles northeast of Bakersfield. The reservoir is impounded by two earthen dams on the Kern River and Hot Springs Valley.