Herrick Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Herrick is a privately owned dam located in Cascade, Idaho, with a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment.


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Summary

Built in 1953, this earthen dam stands at a height of 37.7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 32.1 feet. It has a storage capacity of 562 acre-feet, serving as a water resource for the surrounding area. The dam spans 660 feet in length and is situated on Skunk Creek and Clear Creek, with a drainage area of 4.6 square miles.

Despite being privately owned, Herrick is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet, and its maximum discharge capacity is 190 cubic feet per second. The dam is monitored regularly, with inspections conducted every four years to assess its condition and ensure the safety of downstream communities. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, risk management measures are in place to mitigate potential hazards associated with the dam.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Herrick serves as a crucial piece of infrastructure in the management of water resources in Valley County, Idaho. Its presence on Skunk Creek and Clear Creek provides essential flood control and irrigation benefits to the local community. With its fair condition and significant hazard potential, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of this important water storage structure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the resilience of dams like Herrick will be vital in adapting to changing hydrological conditions and ensuring the sustainable management of water in the region.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

660

Dam Height

37.7

River Or Stream

SKUNK CREEK CLEAR CREEK

Surface Area

42

Hydraulic Height

32.1

Drainage Area

4.6

Nid Storage

562

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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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.