Thermalito Forebay
Thermalito Forebay is an earth dam located in Butte County, California, built in 1967. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Thermalito Forebay
The primary purpose of Thermalito Forebay 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 California Department Of Water Resources (state). It impounds the Feather River - Off Stream near Oroville.
The dam stands 91 feet tall and stretches 15,900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 630 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 11,768 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1967, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 08/29/2023.
At 91 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 | Butte |
| Nearest City | Oroville |
| River/Stream | Feather River - Off Stream |
| Coordinates | 39.52520, -121.60120 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 91 ft |
| Dam Height | 91 ft |
| Dam Length | 15,900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 11,768 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 11,768 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11,768 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 630 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | California Department of Water Resources |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/29/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00041 |
| Federal ID | CA00041 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |