Pit 4 Diversion Dam, Pit River west of State Highway 89, Big Bend, Shasta County, CA

Significance: The Pit 4 Diversion Dam is important as an original feature of the Pit 3, 4 and 5 Hydroelectric Plant. Pit 4 Dam is an excellent example of early twentieth century hydroelectric architecture and represents the original aesthetic design characteristics of the overall Pit River system, while also unique and designed as a separate, individual feature. The system and the dam itself reflect a higher degree of architectural aesthetics than projects built in later years. Its impact on California has been significant, helping to support and encourage the industrial development of Northern California and especially the San Francisco Bay Area. Electricity from the Pit River has powered the growth of the state just as hydroelectric construction helped develop the economy of Shasta County. This remote system has had far-reaching effects and continues to remind us of a time when electric power was a new and awesome herald of our future potential.
Survey number: HAER CA-317
Building/structure dates: 1931 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1955 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1964-1965 Subsequent Work