Black Butte Dam, also known as Black Butte Lake, is a federal dam located in Tehama, California. Completed in 1963 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction. With a height of 140 feet and a storage capacity of 354,000 acre-feet, Black Butte Dam significantly reduces the risk of flooding to downstream communities along Stoney Creek. However, there are still concerns about potential downstream flooding due to factors such as the dam's spillway and earthquake risks.

Despite the moderate risk assessment of the dam, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has implemented various risk management measures to ensure public safety. These measures include regular maintenance and inspections, emergency action plans, and coordination with local emergency managers. USACE also incorporates weather forecasts and local flow data to make informed decisions on dam operations, with the goal of providing timely warnings to downstream communities in the event of a potential flood. While the scenarios of dam failure are considered extremely unlikely, USACE remains vigilant in monitoring and managing risks to minimize the impact on human life, infrastructure, and the environment in the surrounding areas.