Kimberly Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Kimberly Lake, also known as French Dam, is a private dam located in Lemhi, Idaho.


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Summary

Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 26.7 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and a surface area of 4 acres, Kimberly Lake is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy activities such as fishing and boating.

Despite its fair condition assessment in 2018, Kimberly Lake poses a significant hazard potential due to its location and design. The dam is state-regulated, with inspections, permitting, and enforcement conducted by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. The dam's spillway, with a controlled design, ensures proper discharge during peak flow events to mitigate flooding risks in the surrounding area.

With a very high risk assessment rating, Kimberly Lake demands careful monitoring and management measures to ensure the safety of nearby residents and visitors. The dam's proximity to Rams Creek and Silver Creek adds to its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. As a recreational attraction with inherent risks, Kimberly Lake serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining water infrastructure in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

26.7

River Or Stream

RAMS CREEK SILVER CREEK

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

20.3

Drainage Area

9

Nid Storage

36

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.