Mountain Home Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hall Hot Springs No 2
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Mountain Home is a privately owned dam located in Elmore County, Idaho, specifically in the city of Mountain Home.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1884, this earth dam stands at a height of 47.7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 42.4 feet, serving as a critical water resource for the area. With a storage capacity of 5,468 acre-feet and a surface area of 406 acres, Mountain Home plays a crucial role in managing water from Rattlesnake Creek and Canyon Creek, ensuring water security for the region.
Despite being a historic structure, Mountain Home is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to maintain its integrity. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 75 feet, and it features a slide (sluice gate) as its outlet gates. The dam poses a high hazard potential, but is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in June 2019. With a moderate risk rating, Mountain Home continues to be a key component in the region's water management infrastructure, providing essential services for the community.
As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and monitoring of structures like Mountain Home become increasingly vital. With a long history of service and a crucial role in water management for Elmore County, this dam stands as a testament to the resilience and importance of water resource management in the face of evolving climate challenges. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the significance of structures like Mountain Home in ensuring sustainable water security for communities now and in the future.
Year Completed |
1884 |
Dam Length |
3700 |
Dam Height |
47.7 |
River Or Stream |
RATTLESNAKE CREEK CANYON CREEK |
Surface Area |
406 |
Hydraulic Height |
42.4 |
Drainage Area |
37 |
Nid Storage |
5468 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
48 |
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.
Mountain Home