Bray Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Bray Lake, located in Bliss, Idaho, is a privately owned reservoir primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1915, this earth dam stands at a height of 35.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 2,693 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam, designed by Elmer Wicklund of USDA NRCS, is situated on Dry Creek, a tributary of the Big Wood River. With a surface area of 204 acres and a drainage area of 1.6 square miles, Bray Lake serves as a vital resource for water management in the region. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is in fair condition and meets regulatory guidelines for risk management.

The reservoir features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 25 feet and a slide gate as its outlet structure. With its moderate risk assessment rating and enforcement of state regulations, Bray Lake continues to play a crucial role in sustaining agricultural activities and water supply in the area, making it an essential component of the local water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

1800

Dam Height

35.8

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK BIG WOOD RIVER

Surface Area

204

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

2693

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.