Lake Madrone
Key Takeaway
Lake Madrone is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1931 and is 95 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 37 ft (taller than 41.5% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 525 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1931 (95 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00804 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Lake Madrone Water District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Big Bend
Butte, CA
Low Hazard 61 ftCannon Ranch
Butte, CA
Significant Hazard 17 ftLake Wyandotte
Butte, CA
High Hazard 46 ftPonderosa
Butte, CA
Low Hazard 157 ftBidwell Bar Canyon Saddle
Butte, CA
High Hazard 47 ftConcow
Butte, CA
High Hazard 94 ftKunkle
Butte, CA
Significant Hazard 54 ftThermalito Diversion
Butte, CA
High Hazard 143 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Madrone?
Lake Madrone is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Madrone?
Lake Madrone is owned by Lake Madrone Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Madrone built?
Lake Madrone was completed in 1931, making it 95 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 Lake Madrone?
Lake Madrone serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Madrone?
Lake Madrone has a dam height of 37 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 Lake Madrone last inspected?
Lake Madrone was last inspected on January 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.