Pit No. 4 Diversion
Pit No. 4 Diversion is a concrete dam located in Shasta County, California, built in 1927. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Pit No. 4 Diversion
The primary purpose of Pit No. 4 Diversion is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Pacific Gas And Electric Company (private). It impounds the Pit River near Big Bend.
The dam stands 110 feet tall and stretches 415 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 105 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,970 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,643 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 07/26/2023.
At 110 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The California dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Shasta |
| Nearest City | Big Bend |
| River/Stream | Pit River |
| Coordinates | 40.98812, -121.76892 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Length | 415 ft |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,970 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,970 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,970 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 105 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,643 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 77,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/26/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00397 |
| Federal ID | CA00397 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |