Summary
Completed in 1972, this Rockfill dam stands at a height of 22.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Eccles Creek and serves as a key water resource for the surrounding area. With a spillway type of 'Uncontrolled' and a hazard potential rated as 'High', Meals Lake Dam is closely monitored by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
Despite being categorized as having a 'Fair' condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk according to the latest inspection data from 2017. The hazard potential, combined with the dam's age, height, and storage volume, necessitates regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of this essential water supply structure. Meals Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Valdez-Cordova region, and its management and maintenance are critical for both water supply and climate resilience in the area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate issues will find Meals Lake Dam to be a fascinating case study in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
207 |
Dam Height |
22.5 |
River Or Stream |
ECCLES CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
9.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
0.02 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Structural Height |
22.5 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
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.
Meals Lake Dam