Miner's Ranch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Miner's Ranch is a public utility located in Mt Ida Rd Crossing, Butte, California, along the West Fork of North Fork Honcut.


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Summary

This hydroelectric facility, designed by Bechtel and completed in 1962, serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply. The earth dam, standing at 55 feet high with a hydraulic height of 90 feet, has a storage capacity of 896 acre-feet and a normal storage of 815 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 100 feet, and it has a high hazard potential.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Miner's Ranch is regulated and inspected to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam's condition assessment is not available, and it faces a moderate risk level. Despite its risk, Miner's Ranch has not experienced recent modifications and is in a condition deemed suitable for operation. The emergency action plan for the facility was last revised in January 2021, indicating ongoing efforts to ensure preparedness in case of an emergency. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Miner's Ranch offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human engineering and natural resource management.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1650

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

West Fork of North Fork Honcut

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

48.3

Hydraulic Height

90

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

896

Structural Height

57

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

90
       
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.