Lost Creek
Lost Creek is a concrete dam located in Butte County, California, built in 1924. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Lost Creek
The primary purpose of Lost Creek 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 South Feather Water And Power Agency (public utility). It impounds the Lost Creek near Woodleaf Powerhouse.
The dam stands 122 feet tall and stretches 486 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 138 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 31 square miles. Completed in 1924, the structure is over a century 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/22/2023.
At 122 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 | Woodleaf Powerhouse |
| River/Stream | Lost Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.57520, -121.13690 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 122 ft |
| Dam Height | 112 ft |
| Dam Length | 486 ft |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,100 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 138 acres |
| Drainage Area | 31 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | South Feather Water and Power Agency |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/22/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00268 |
| Federal ID | CA00268 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |