Smoky Canyon No 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Smoky Canyon No 1, also known as Simplot Mine Tailings Dam #1, is a privately owned dam located in Caribou, Idaho.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1983, this earthen dam stands at a height of 80 feet and has a hydraulic height of 74 feet. It serves the primary purpose of storing tailings and has a storage capacity of 2,500 acre-feet with a surface area of 83 acres.

The dam is situated near Roberts Creek and Tygee Creek, with a drainage area of 1.34 square miles. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the hazard potential of Smoky Canyon No 1 is classified as low, with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2017. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, and it is regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smoky Canyon No 1 presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned tailings dam in a remote location. With its unique design features and regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a focal point for discussions on dam safety, risk management, and environmental impact assessments in the context of mining operations.

Year Completed

1983

Dam Length

3650

Dam Height

80

River Or Stream

ROBERTS CREEK TYGEE CREEK

Surface Area

83

Hydraulic Height

74

Drainage Area

1.34

Nid Storage

2500

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

80
       
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.