Daniels Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Located in St Johns, Idaho, the Daniels dam stands as a crucial water resource structure regulating the flow of the Little Malad River and Malad River.


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Summary

Completed in 1967 for irrigation purposes, this privately owned earth dam boasts a height of 95.6 feet and a storage capacity of 8700 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge of 9500 cubic feet per second, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential but is currently rated in fair condition.

Managed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, the Daniels dam undergoes regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its moderate risk assessment level, the dam's emergency action plan is outdated, raising concerns about its preparedness for potential disasters. With its strategic location in Oneida County and crucial role in supporting local agriculture through irrigation, the Daniels dam serves as a vital component of Idaho's water resource management infrastructure.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

775

Dam Height

95.6

River Or Stream

LITTLE MALAD RIVER MALAD RIVER

Surface Area

375

Hydraulic Height

81.7

Drainage Area

107

Nid Storage

8700

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

96
       
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.