Soda Reservoir Report
Nearby: Grace Dike Grace Main
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Soda is a privately owned dam located in Caribou, Idaho, along the Bear River.
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Summary
Completed in 1925, this concrete dam stands at a height of 103 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes. With a storage capacity of 16,300 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 45,150 cubic feet per second, Soda plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Soda is regulated, inspected, and enforced by various state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's spillway type is controlled, with a spillway width of 114 feet. Despite being classified as high hazard potential, the risk assessment for Soda is very high, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate potential emergencies.
With its strategic location and importance for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation, Soda serves as a significant infrastructure for water resource management in Idaho. Its historical significance, combined with its high hazard potential and risk assessment, underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the continued functionality and safety of this essential water resource structure.
Year Completed |
1925 |
Dam Length |
492 |
Dam Height |
103 |
River Or Stream |
Bear River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
1100 |
Hydraulic Height |
79.2 |
Drainage Area |
3970 |
Nid Storage |
16300 |
Structural Height |
103 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1, Tainter (radial) - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
103 |
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.
Soda
Black Canyon - Highway 34 to Grace Powerhouse