Buckhorn Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buckhorn is a privately owned dam located in Lassen, California, specifically in the city of Horne Ranch.


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Summary

Built in 1904, Buckhorn serves the primary purpose of water supply, supporting irrigation and general water needs in the area. The dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a hydraulic height of 27 feet, impounding Buckhorn Creek to create a storage capacity of 2000 acre-feet.

Managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Safety of Dams program, Buckhorn is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a low hazard potential and has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of September 2017. Despite its age, Buckhorn continues to provide essential water resources for the surrounding community, contributing to the overall water management efforts in the region.

With a drainage area of 18.7 square miles and a surface area of 300 acres, Buckhorn plays a vital role in harnessing and storing water for agricultural and domestic use. Its historical significance as a key water infrastructure in the area, combined with its regulatory compliance and maintenance record, makes Buckhorn a critical asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable water management practices and the resilience of water supply systems in California.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

Buckhorn Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

300

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

18.7

Nid Storage

2000

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

35
       
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.