Taylor Upper Reservoir Report
Nearby: Taylor Lower Foreman
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Taylor Upper, also known as Taylor #1, is a privately owned irrigation structure located on Castle Creek in Owyhee County, Idaho.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at 18.1 feet high and serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a surface area of 20 acres. The dam has a significant hazard potential and is rated as being in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2018.
Managed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, Taylor Upper is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. Its spillway is of the controlled type, with a width of 2 feet, and the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 8 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for this structure is very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of downstream areas along Castle Creek and the Snake River.
Overall, Taylor Upper plays a crucial role in supporting irrigation activities in the region while also posing significant risks that require careful management and oversight. With its unique design features and historical significance, this structure serves as a testament to the intricate balance between water resource management and climate adaptation in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
18.1 |
River Or Stream |
CASTLE CREEK SNAKE RIVER |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.9 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Taylor Upper