Forbestown Diversion
Forbestown Diversion is a concrete dam located in Butte County, California, built in 1962. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Forbestown Diversion
The primary purpose of Forbestown 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 South Feather Water And Power Agency (public utility). It impounds the South Fork Feather River near Forbestown Powerhouse.
The dam stands 81 feet tall and stretches 268 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 352 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 87 square miles. Completed in 1962, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 06/03/2022.
At 81 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Butte |
| Nearest City | Forbestown Powerhouse |
| River/Stream | South Fork Feather River |
| Coordinates | 39.55170, -121.21000 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 81 ft |
| Dam Height | 81 ft |
| Dam Length | 268 ft |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 352 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 352 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 344 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 87 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 45,400 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | South Feather Water and Power Agency |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/03/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00273 |
| Federal ID | CA00273 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |