Pit No. 1 Forebay
Key Takeaway
Pit No. 1 Forebay is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 47 ft (taller than 56.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 586 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 614 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 222 acres |
| Drainage Area | 725 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1947 (79 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00405 |
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
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Private
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Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pit No. 1 Forebay?
Pit No. 1 Forebay 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 Pit No. 1 Forebay?
Pit No. 1 Forebay is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pit No. 1 Forebay built?
Pit No. 1 Forebay was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Pit No. 1 Forebay?
Pit No. 1 Forebay 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 Pit No. 1 Forebay?
Pit No. 1 Forebay has a dam height of 47 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 Pit No. 1 Forebay last inspected?
Pit No. 1 Forebay was last inspected on July 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.