Drum Forebay, located in Baxter, California, is a privately owned hydroelectric dam that has been regulating the waters of the Drum Canal since its completion in 1913. Standing at a height of 65.3 feet, this earth dam boasts a structural height of 65.3 feet and a hydraulic height of 60.3 feet. With a storage capacity of 621 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 520 acre-feet, Drum Forebay plays a crucial role in providing renewable energy while also managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Drum Forebay has a spillway width of 107 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 2600 cubic feet per second, making it a key player in flood control efforts. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by various state agencies to ensure its safety and reliability. With a moderate risk assessment rating, Drum Forebay remains a crucial piece of infrastructure in Placer County, California, contributing to both water resource management and renewable energy production in the region.

As one of the oldest hydroelectric dams in the state, Drum Forebay continues to serve as a vital component of California's water and energy infrastructure. With its historical significance, modern regulatory oversight, and crucial role in flood control, Drum Forebay stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate-conscious infrastructure development in the face of a changing climate.