Payette Lake Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Payette Lake Upper, also known as Upper Payette Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in McCall, Idaho.


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Summary

Completed in 1953, this concrete dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 2400 acre-feet and a surface area of 315 acres. The dam stands at a height of 15 feet, with an uncontrolled spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1070 cubic feet per second.

Situated on the North Fork Payette River, Payette Lake Upper is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's hazard potential is considered significant, with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in July 2018. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and irrigation in the region, making it a vital asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

70

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK PAYETTE RIVER PAYETTE RIVER

Surface Area

315

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

42

Nid Storage

2400

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.