Mormon Reservoir Report
Nearby: Spring Creek Mchan
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Mormon Dam, located in Fairfield, Idaho, was completed in 1908 and serves as an essential water resource for the region.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 27.1 feet and with a storage capacity of 19,280 acre-feet, regulates the flow of McKinney Creek and Camas Creek, providing irrigation water for agricultural purposes. Despite its age, the dam is in fair condition, with a high hazard potential due to its location and the significant amount of water it holds.
Owned privately, Mormon Dam is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection, permitting, and enforcement standards. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 28 feet and can handle a maximum discharge of 1250 cubic feet per second. The dam's structural components consist of stone core types supported by rock and soil foundations. The dam's emergency action plan is being continuously updated to meet guidelines and ensure public safety in case of a hazard event.
Mormon Dam plays a crucial role in water management in the area, with a surface area of 2440 acres and a drainage area of 60.8 square miles. The dam's moderate risk assessment indicates the need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety and sustainability of the dam and surrounding communities. As a historic structure with significant importance for water resource management, Mormon Dam continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
Year Completed |
1908 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
27.1 |
River Or Stream |
MC KINNEY CREEK CAMAS CREEK |
Surface Area |
2440 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.8 |
Drainage Area |
60.8 |
Nid Storage |
19280 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Gooding City of Rocks Dispersed Area
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Thorn Creek Reservoir
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Thorn Creek Reservoir Dispersed
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Mormon