Summary
Completed in 1979 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam stands at 40 feet in height and has a maximum storage capacity of 224,000 acre-feet. It spans 40,200 feet across the Chena River and has a spillway width of 2,000 feet. While the dam helps mitigate flooding to downstream communities, it does not eliminate the risk entirely.
Despite efforts by the USACE to reduce risks, such as designing erosion protection measures for the dam's foundation and conducting regular inspections and maintenance, potential hazards still exist. Unlikely scenarios, such as a high-volume release of water due to foundation soil erosion during significant rainfall or snowmelt events, could lead to devastating downstream flooding. In the event of a dam breach, communities like North Pole, Fort Wainwright, and Fairbanks could face extensive flooding, with little to no warning, resulting in destruction of buildings and infrastructure. The USACE closely monitors the dam, conducts emergency exercises, and collaborates with local agencies to keep emergency action plans current in order to minimize risks and ensure public safety.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
40200 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
CHENA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
1496 |
Nid Storage |
224000 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Moose Creek Dam