Big Ripples, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Big Ripples
Former settlement
Big Ripples Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Butte County
Elevation	902 ft (275 m)

Big Ripples was once a small community located in Butte County, California, in the United States. It was a place where people lived and worked, nestled near the North Fork of the Feather River. Today, Big Ripples is no longer visible because it is completely covered by the waters of Lake Oroville.

The Story of Big Ripples

Big Ripples was situated about 6 miles (10 km) north-northwest of another historic place called Bidwell's Bar. It sat at an elevation of 902 feet (275 meters) above sea level. Like many small settlements, it likely had a unique history tied to the local area and its natural surroundings, especially the river.

Why Big Ripples Disappeared

The reason Big Ripples is now underwater is because of the creation of Lake Oroville. This large reservoir was formed by building the Oroville Dam on the Feather River. When the dam was completed and the lake began to fill, the water rose and covered the area where Big Ripples once stood. This means the former settlement is now a "sunken city," hidden beneath the lake's surface.