Ponderosa
Ponderosa is an earth dam located in Butte County, California, built in 1962. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Ponderosa
The primary purpose of Ponderosa 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 Oroville.
The dam stands 160 feet tall and stretches 653 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 103 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,834 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 108 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 08/22/2023.
At 160 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Butte |
| Nearest City | Oroville |
| River/Stream | South Fork Feather River |
| Coordinates | 39.54930, -121.30390 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 160 ft |
| Dam Height | 157 ft |
| Dam Length | 653 ft |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,834 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,834 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,750 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 103 acres |
| Drainage Area | 108 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 60,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | South Feather Water and Power Agency |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/22/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00274 |
| Federal ID | CA00274 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |