THE DAMS
The Battle Creek Hydroelectric Project was originally developed to support the power demand of mineral extraction in Shasta County including Iron Mountain Mine near Redding. This project includes eight dams that block migrations of salmon and steelhead, 42 miles of diversion canals, pipelines, flumes, and ten additional dams upstream of anadromous reaches. CalTrout is working with our partners to accelerate the decommissioning process to ensure fish have full access to their historical range in the watershed and to restore the natural flow regime. The watershed was seen as an ideal drainage for hydropower generation due, in part, to its spring-fed water supply.
Owner:
Originally built by Keswick Power Company and now owned by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
Location:
Battle Creek, tributary to the Sacramento River near Red Bluff, CA
Completion Date:
Hydroelectric development began in the early 1900’s. PG&E acquired the facility in 1919 and the fifth and final powerhouse was added in 1980.
Size:
4 -51 ft in height. Water storage capacity totals 1,657 acre feet (range by reservoir 15 - 1,090 ).
Stakeholders:
Battle Creek Watershed Conservancy, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, PG&E, California Bay-Delta Authority, California State Water Resources Control Board, The Nature Conservancy, California Wildlife Conservation Board, Trout Unlimited, American Whitewater, American Rivers, California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, and local community members.
Land Acknowledgment
The Battle Creek Dams are located on the ancestral lands of the Yana people. Today the Wintu Tribe of Redding Rancheria and the Paskenta Bank of Nomlaki Indians are the stewards of the Yana legacy.The Problem
Historically, Battle Creek was home to a diverse assemblage of anadromous and resident fishes adapted to its specific hydrology and habitats. North Fork Battle Creek is spring-fed with water originating from the flanks of Mt. Lassen and provided ideal spawning, holding and rearing habitats for winter-run Chinook Salmon. This run or ecotype is unique to California and is one of the most endangered salmon. South Fork Battle Creek hydrology is storm and snowmelt driven and has deep holding pools that provide habitats for threatened Central Valley spring-run Chinook Salmon. Both forks of Battle Creek and its tributaries also provide habitat for threatened Central Valley steelhead and Pacific Lamprey, a culturally significant fish species, as well as a host of native resident fishes. The construction of the Battle Creek Project virtually eliminated anadromy from 48 river miles (42 on the mainstem and both Forks, and 6 miles on tributaries) as well as connectivity for resident fishes.
Current Situation
Potential for Removal
Removal of several dams is already underway through the Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Project, which indicates high likelihood of completely restoring anadromous fish access to the area. The first dam removal occurred in 2010 with the removal of Wildcat Dam on the North Fork which opened miles of fish habitat. Efforts are now in progress to provide fish access to all historical habitats in Battle Creek by initiating the removal of all dams on the South Fork as well as providing passage beyond the remaining North Fork dams. With PG&E’s announcement to surrender their hydroelectric license, the potential for complete dam removal is promising.
Voice of Battle Creek Dams
