Little (Upper Bissel Creek Dam) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sulphur Gulch Lodge Pond
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Little (Upper Bissel Creek Dam) is a private dam located in Gem County, Idaho, with a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment.
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Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 36.6 feet and has a hydraulic height of 33 feet. The dam serves as a crucial structure for water resource management, with a normal storage capacity of 1228 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.2 square miles, impacting the flow of the Unnamed Stream Bissel Creek.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 12 feet, indicating its capacity to handle a maximum discharge of 282 cubic feet per second. The inspection frequency is set at 4 years, with the last assessment conducted in June 2020. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, this dam presents challenges that necessitate ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the integrity of the structure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Little (Upper Bissel Creek Dam) represents a critical piece of infrastructure in Idaho's landscape, highlighting the intersection of human intervention in natural water systems and the importance of sustainable management practices.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
2330 |
Dam Height |
36.6 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED STREAM BISSEL CREEK |
Surface Area |
92 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
1228 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Payette River Nr Emmett Id
|
1270cfs |
Payette River Nr Letha Id
|
1320cfs |
Payette River Nr Horseshoe Bend Id
|
1180cfs |
Nf Payette River Nr Banks Id
|
341cfs |
Payette River Nr Payette Id
|
1450cfs |
Spring Valley Creek Nr Eagle Id
|
0cfs |
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 (Upper Bissel Creek Dam)