Deep Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Deep Creek, also known as Henderson Reservoir, is a privately owned dam located in Idaho, specifically in Oneida County near Malad City.


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Summary

Completed in 1952, this earth dam stands at a height of 90.6 feet and serves various purposes, including irrigation and flood control for the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 5,537 acre-feet and a drainage area of 29.7 square miles, Deep Creek plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 12 feet, and it has a high hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2018. The dam is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam's emergency action plan and inundation maps are outdated, raising concerns about its preparedness for potential emergencies. With its strategic location along Deep Creek and the Malad River, the ongoing management and maintenance of Deep Creek Dam are essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Deep Creek Dam stands as a vital infrastructure in Idaho's water management system, highlighting the intersection of water resources, climate resilience, and public safety. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Deep Creek are critical for mitigating risks and preserving the integrity of water resources. Collaborative efforts between private owners, regulatory agencies, and local communities are essential for ensuring the long-term functionality and safety of dams like Deep Creek in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

90.6

River Or Stream

DEEP CREEK MALAD RIVER

Surface Area

180

Hydraulic Height

81

Drainage Area

29.7

Nid Storage

5537

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

91
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.