Rock Creek
Rock Creek is a concrete dam located in Plumas County, California, built in 1950. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Rock Creek
The primary purpose of Rock 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 Pacific Gas And Electric Company (private). It impounds the North Fork Feather River near Tobin.
The dam stands 126 feet tall and stretches 567 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 114 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,771 square miles. Completed in 1950, 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 09/14/2022.
At 126 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 | Plumas |
| Nearest City | Tobin |
| River/Stream | North Fork Feather River |
| Coordinates | 39.98660, -121.28340 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 126 ft |
| Dam Height | 126 ft |
| Dam Length | 567 ft |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,590 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 114 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,771 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 280,000 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 | 09/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00330 |
| Federal ID | CA00330 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |