Kunkle

Kunkle is an earth dam located in Butte County, California, built in 1907. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Kunkle

Kunkle is a dam in Butte, California. The dam is owned by Pacific Gas And Electric Company (private). It impounds the Tr W Br Feather R.

The dam stands 54 feet tall and stretches 1,040 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 155 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1907, the structure is over a century old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/09/2025.

At 54 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyButte
River/StreamTr W Br Feather R
Coordinates39.71300, -121.57570

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height54 ft
Dam Height54 ft
Dam Length1,040 ft
Year Completed1907 (119 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage155 acre-ft
Max Storage155 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeOther
OwnerPacific Gas and Electric Company
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection10/09/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA00344
Federal IDCA00344
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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