Drum Forebay Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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.


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Summary

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.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

4107

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

Drum Canal

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

60.3

Nid Storage

621

Structural Height

65.3

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

65
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.