Orchard Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Orchard, also known as Indian Creek Reservoir, is a state-owned dam located in Ada County, Idaho.


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Summary

Completed in 1902, this earth dam stands at a height of 42.8 feet and has a hydraulic height of 34 feet. With a storage capacity of 2035 acre-feet and a surface area of 195 acres, Orchard serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. The dam is situated on Indian Creek, a tributary of the Boise River, and has a drainage area of 51 square miles.

Despite its importance, Orchard has a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, as of its last inspection in May 2018. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 32 feet, and it features a slide (sluice gate) for outlet gates. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3 out of 5, Orchard is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular permitting, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Orchard represents a critical infrastructure piece in the region's water management system, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to protect against potential hazards and ensure continued water supply for the community.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

2800

Dam Height

42.8

River Or Stream

INDIAN CREEK BOISE RIVER

Surface Area

195

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

51

Nid Storage

2035

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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.