Butte County Supervisors Urged to Widen Road for Magalia Dam Retrofit Project

Butte County officials are urged to take immediate action to address safety concerns surrounding the Magalia Dam and the critical road infrastructure that supports the Upper Ridge community. During the Board of Supervisors meeting on August 26, 2025, discussions highlighted the urgent need for a road widening project that coincides with the dam's retrofit, which is necessary to ensure the structure meets seismic safety standards.

The Magalia Dam, built over a century ago, has been deemed a potential risk by the state’s Division of Safety of Dams, limiting the reservoir's capacity to one-third full. To mitigate this risk, the Paradise Irrigation District has secured grant funding to design a retrofit that will reinforce the dam and replace its deficient spillway. However, the county's involvement is crucial, as the existing road must be widened to accommodate the new spillway.

County officials were informed that failing to act promptly could lead to increased costs and complications in future collaborations with the irrigation district. The estimated cost to widen the road is approximately $307,000, a figure that could rise significantly if the project is delayed. The irrigation district has provided a limited window for the county to engage in this necessary infrastructure improvement, emphasizing the importance of timely action.

Residents from the Upper Ridge community voiced their concerns about the current road conditions, which only allow for one lane of traffic across the dam. This poses significant risks, especially in emergency situations where evacuation routes are critical. Community members stressed that the road widening is not just a desire but a pressing need for safety and accessibility.

The Board of Supervisors is encouraged to prioritize this issue in their upcoming agenda, as the collaboration with the irrigation district is essential for both the dam's safety and the community's well-being. The discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of proactive measures to enhance infrastructure and ensure the safety of residents in the area.