South Fork, Butte County, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids South Fork
Former settlement
South Fork Location in California
Country	United States
State	California
County	Butte County
Elevation	1,375 ft (419 m)

South Fork was once a small community in Butte County, California, USA. It was located about 1,375 feet (419 meters) above sea level. This place was still shown on maps in 1947.

South Fork was situated about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) east-southeast of Bidwell's Bar. It was also near the Feather River.

A Town Under Water

South Fork is no longer visible today. This is because it was covered by the waters of Lake Oroville. Lake Oroville is a large reservoir created by the Oroville Dam.

How Lake Oroville Formed

The Oroville Dam was built on the Feather River. Its main purpose was to control floods and store water. It also helps produce electricity. When the dam was finished, the area behind it filled with water. This created Lake Oroville.

Many old towns and historical sites were covered by the lake. South Fork was one of these places. It became a "sunken city" or "destroyed town" when the lake filled up. Today, it exists only as a memory and a location on old maps.