Oxbow, located in Adams, Idaho, is a rockfill dam primarily designed for grade stabilization along the Snake River and Columbia River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1961, this public utility-owned structure stands at a height of 145 feet with a hydraulic height of 130 feet, providing a storage capacity of 58,200 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 1,150 acres. With a drainage area of 73,000 acres, Oxbow plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 300,000 cubic feet per second.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2020, Oxbow has a high hazard potential, necessitating a thorough inspection every two years to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 96 feet and outlet gates controlled by valves. With its risk assessment rating at a very high level (1), Oxbow is a key component of water resource management in Idaho, serving as a vital structure for flood control, water storage, and grade stabilization, safeguarding the surrounding communities and ecosystems in times of emergencies and high water events.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
960 |
Dam Height |
145 |
River Or Stream |
SNAKE RIVER COLUMBIA RIVER |
Surface Area |
1150 |
Hydraulic Height |
130 |
Drainage Area |
73000 |
Nid Storage |
58200 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
145 |