Hendricks Head

West Branch Feather River· Butte, California· Built 1907· Rockfill· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Hendricks Head is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1907 and is 119 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 8.1% in CA)
Dam Length222 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage130 acre-ft
Normal Storage130 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Max Discharge1 cfs
Year Completed1907 (119 years old)
NID IDCA82565

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: July 11, 2023
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hendricks Head?

Hendricks Head 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 Hendricks Head?

Hendricks Head is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hendricks Head built?

Hendricks Head was completed in 1907, making it 119 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 Hendricks Head?

Hendricks Head serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Hendricks Head?

Hendricks Head has a dam height of 15 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 Hendricks Head last inspected?

Hendricks Head was last inspected on July 11, 2023. 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.