Black Butte Reregulating Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Black Butte Reregulating, located in Orland, California, is a vital local government-owned dam that plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Completed in 1989, this gravity dam stands at a height of 25 feet and serves primarily for hydroelectric and irrigation purposes. Situated on Stony Creek in Tehama County, the dam has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, ensuring a reliable water supply for the surrounding area.

Maintained and regulated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) for dam safety, Black Butte Reregulating has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2017. With a recent inspection in November 2020 confirming its structural integrity, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control and water storage. Its strategic location and design make it an essential component of the local water management system, contributing to the overall resilience of the region in the face of changing climate patterns.

As an integral part of the San Francisco District's water infrastructure, Black Butte Reregulating stands as a testament to effective collaboration between local and state agencies in ensuring the safety and reliability of water resources. With its efficient operation and adherence to regulatory standards, this dam represents a significant asset in sustainable water management practices, essential for addressing the challenges posed by a shifting climate.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

1464

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

Stony Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.