Black Butte Lake was formed in 1963 upon the completion of Black Butte Dam. Located on Stony Creek west of Orland, the lake is an inviting and accessible recreation area. When full, the lake has a surface area of 4,460 acres, is seven miles long and has a shoreline of 40 miles. The dam reduces flood risk for the surrounding communities and provides irrigation water to agricultural lands immediately downstream of the dam.