Buchanan

Modoc, California· Built 1890· Earth· 7 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Other Irrigation Fish And Wildlife Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Buchanan is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 7 ft (taller than 0.1% in CA)
Dam Length480 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage93 acre-ft
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDCA10322

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 31, 2010
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USDA FS

Federal Government

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Four Mile Valley N0 4

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Albertson Reservoir (Lake)

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Janes Flat

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South Arm Reservoir

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Grohs Reservoir

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Antelope Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buchanan?

Buchanan is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Buchanan?

Buchanan is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Buchanan built?

Buchanan was completed in 1890, making it 136 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Buchanan?

Buchanan serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Other, Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Buchanan?

Buchanan has a dam height of 7 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Buchanan last inspected?

Buchanan was last inspected on August 31, 2010. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.