Friant Dam

Friant Dam is a gravity dam on the San Joaquin River, standing 176 meters tall and forming Millerton Lake. The structure stores water that flows through canal systems to serve the surrounding region.

The Bureau of Reclamation constructed the dam between 1939 and 1944 as a key part of the Central Valley Project. This major initiative brought water to a dry region and transformed agricultural possibilities.

The dam system allows irrigation water to reach farmland across a vast area of the San Joaquin Valley, shaping how people in the region live and work.

Millerton Lake provides opportunities for swimming and fishing along its shores and recreational areas. Visitors should be prepared for intense heat and bring sun protection when spending time in this region.

Two major canals carry water far beyond the dam site: the Madera Canal runs northward while the Friant-Kern Canal extends southward. This infrastructure connects multiple counties in a network that spans hundreds of kilometers.

Location: Fresno County

Elevation above the sea: 176 m

GPS coordinates: 37.00060,-119.70500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57