Forbestown Diversion

South Fork Feather River· Butte, California· Built 1962· Concrete· 81 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Irrigation Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Forbestown Diversion is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 81 ft (taller than 76.9% in CA)
Dam Length268 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage352 acre-ft
Normal Storage344 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area88 sq mi
Max Discharge45,400 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDCA00273

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: June 3, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

South Feather Water and Power Agency

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Forbestown Diversion?

Forbestown Diversion 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 Forbestown Diversion?

Forbestown Diversion is owned by South Feather Water and Power Agency (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Forbestown Diversion built?

Forbestown Diversion was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Forbestown Diversion?

Forbestown Diversion serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Forbestown Diversion?

Forbestown Diversion has a dam height of 81 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 Forbestown Diversion last inspected?

Forbestown Diversion was last inspected on June 3, 2022. 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.