South Fork Diversion dam
South Fork Diversion
South Fork Diversion, located in Woodleaf Powerhouse, California, is a significant hydroelectric structure on the South Fork Feather River. Constructed in 1961, this concrete dam stands at a height of 60 feet and has a hydraulic height of 46 feet. With a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 20,700 cubic feet per second, the dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply for the surrounding area. Managed by a public utility, the dam is regulated and inspected by various state and federal agencies, including the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 180 feet, and its hazard potential is categorized as low. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the condition assessment of South Fork Diversion is currently marked as not available, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. While the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, emergency action plans (EAP) are in place, with the last revision made in November 2020. With its strategic location and critical role in water resource management, South Fork Diversion remains a key infrastructure for ensuring the sustainable use of water and energy resources in the region.
Overall, South Fork Diversion stands as a testament to Bechtel's design expertise and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in the water and energy sectors. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of such structures in providing renewable energy and water supply becomes increasingly crucial. With its historical significance and operational efficiency, South Fork Diversion serves as a model for sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving climate challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around South Fork Diversion -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| N Yuba R Bl Goodyears Bar Ca | 569 cfs | → |
| Spanish C A Quincy Ca | 54 cfs | → |
| Spanish C Ab Blackhawk C At Keddie Ca | 109 cfs | → |
| Deer C Nr Smartville Ca | 41 cfs | → |
| Butte C Nr Chico Ca | 311 cfs | → |
| Yuba R Nr Marysville Ca | 1,530 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near South Fork Diversion .
Boat launches
- Peninsula Road, Strawberry Valley
- Plumas County
- Oroville-Quincy Road 17000-17046, Meadow Valley
- Smokey Lane 44-50, Alleghany
- Butte County
Campgrounds
- Golden Trout
- Golden Trout Crossing
- Sly Creek Recreation Area
- Sly Creek
- Sly Creek Campground
- Black Rock Tent
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Slate Reservoir
- Headwaters To Forest Road 94
- Forest Road 94 To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather Wsr
- Slate Reservoir To North Yuba River
- Nelsons Crossing To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather Wsr
- Confluence With South Fork Canyon Creek To Confluence With North Yuba River
Track South Fork Diversion in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About South Fork Diversion
Where does the data for South Fork Diversion come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of South Fork Diversion .