Ship Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Ship Creek Dam, located in Anchorage, Alaska, serves as a crucial water supply structure with a primary purpose of providing water to the region.


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Summary

Built in 1954, this gravity-type dam stands at a structural height of 50 feet and has a hydraulic height of 50 feet, ensuring a maximum storage capacity of 27 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Ship Creek, is regulated by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to maintain its fair condition and high hazard potential rating.

Despite its moderate risk assessment, Ship Creek Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway, 40 feet wide, to manage a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second. The dam boasts a buttress core type and has a length of 80 feet, contributing to its vital role in water resource management in the area. With a history of state regulation and compliance, Ship Creek Dam remains a key infrastructure for water supply and climate resilience efforts in Anchorage, Alaska. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate-related issues would find this dam's design and operation fascinating in the context of sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

80

River Or Stream

SHIP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Hydraulic Height

50

Nid Storage

27

Structural Height

50

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

50
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.