Little Blue Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Payne Creek Big Blue Creek
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Little Blue Creek is a privately owned water resource located in Owyhee, Idaho, with a significant impact on the surrounding area.
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Summary
Completed in 1914, this earth dam stands at a height of 37.2 feet and serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage for irrigation. With a normal storage capacity of 2100 acre-feet and a drainage area of 30 square miles, Little Blue Creek plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its importance, the condition assessment of Little Blue Creek is rated as poor, with a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment. The dam's last inspection in 2015 highlighted the need for improvements to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Located in a remote area, the dam's ownership by a private entity raises questions about its maintenance and regulatory oversight, especially with regards to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
As a key feature in the watershed of Little Blue Creek and Blue Creek, this dam requires attention and investment to address its poor condition and mitigate potential risks. With its controlled spillway and limited emergency preparedness measures, the future of Little Blue Creek's impact on water resources and climate resilience in the region hinges on proactive maintenance and regulatory actions to ensure its safety and effectiveness for years to come.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
37.2 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE BLUE CREEK BLUE CREEK |
Surface Area |
133 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
30 |
Nid Storage |
2100 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Little Blue Creek
Duncan Creek