Payne Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Little Blue Creek Squaw Creek
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Payne Creek is a privately owned water resource in Idaho, specifically located in Owyhee County.
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Summary
Managed by the USDA NRCS, this structure serves multiple purposes and is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. The dam, constructed in 1930, stands at a height of 32.9 feet with a hydraulic height of 28.4 feet, providing a storage capacity of 570 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 72 acres.
With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Payne Creek offers a moderate risk level which is closely monitored by regular inspections and enforcement by state regulatory agencies. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 24 feet, designed to handle a maximum discharge of 200 cubic feet per second. While the structure has not undergone recent modifications, its location within the Sacramento District and the surrounding Blue Creek watershed underscores its importance in managing water resources and climate factors in the region.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
32.9 |
River Or Stream |
PAYNE CREEK BLUE CREEK |
Surface Area |
72 |
Hydraulic Height |
28.4 |
Drainage Area |
14.7 |
Nid Storage |
570 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Payne Creek