Lost Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lost Creek is a captivating hydroelectric dam located in Butte, California, with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1924.


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Summary

Managed by a public utility, this concrete dam stands at an impressive height of 112 feet and plays a crucial role in irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. With a storage capacity of 5,100 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 21,500 cubic feet per second, Lost Creek is a key player in water resource management in the region.

The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, utilizing a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" with a width of 280 feet to manage excess water flow. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversees its regulatory and inspection processes, ensuring its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite its high hazard potential, Lost Creek is deemed to have a moderate risk level, indicating a balanced approach to risk management and safety measures. As a prominent feature in the local landscape, Lost Creek serves as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in California.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

486

Dam Height

112

River Or Stream

Lost Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

138

Hydraulic Height

106

Drainage Area

31

Nid Storage

5100

Structural Height

122

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

122
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.