New stream obstruction regulations that went into effect in 2007 necessitated upgrades to the McFarland Dam. This dam is very important to the City of McFarland because it limits the stormwater discharge on a downstream channel that goes through the northern portion of the City. Even with the flood control dam, the downstream channel was overflowing major streets and causing damage during intense rainfall events.

BG Consultants was hired to update the breach analysis and flood inundation map. This resulted in a reclassification of the McFarland Dam to a Size 1 Class C Hazard Dam, therefore requiring three feet of freeboard for a .4 PMP AMC III design storm. BG assisted the City in obtaining a CDBG Block Grant and designed improvements for the existing structural issues and new regulatory requirements.

Upgrades included clearing and grubbing trees and brush, re-grading, constructing a taller, wider dam with a new principal spillway and a wider and lower auxiliary spillway. The upgraded dam included all ancillary items, such as a drainage diaphragm on the principal spillway, a chimney drain at the downstream toe, and re-grading and riprap in the plunge basin for a complete project fully compliant with new regulatory requirements.