Lucky Friday No 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lucky Friday No 4 Star No 6
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Lucky Friday No 3, located in Idaho along the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River, is a private tailings dam with a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment.
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Summary
Completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a height of 102 feet and has a hydraulic height of 98 feet, providing storage for 1130 acre-feet of water. The dam spans 3400 feet in length and covers a surface area of 25 acres, serving the primary purpose of storing tailings.
Despite being state regulated and inspected, Lucky Friday No 3 poses a high risk due to its condition and hazard potential. The dam features a valve outlet gate and does not have a spillway, raising concerns about its ability to handle potential overflow events. While it meets state permitting and enforcement requirements, there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans in place, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of nearby communities and the environment.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to stay informed about the infrastructure and risks associated with dams like Lucky Friday No 3. Understanding the dam's design, purpose, and potential hazards can help advocate for proper maintenance and emergency preparedness measures to mitigate the risk of dam failure and protect the surrounding area from potential flooding and environmental damage. By staying engaged with regulatory agencies and monitoring the dam's condition, we can work towards ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of our water resources.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
3400 |
Dam Height |
102 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK COEUR D ALENE RIVER COEUR D ALENE RIVER |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
98 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
1130 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
102 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Lucky Friday No 3