Dry Creek Diversion Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Dry Creek Diversion, located in Payette, Idaho, serves as a crucial irrigation structure to manage water resources in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1976, this earth dam stands at a height of 34.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, benefiting from the waters of Dry Creek and Big Willow Creek.

Maintained by a private owner, Dry Creek Diversion is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's spillway, with a width of 80 feet, is designed for controlled release of excess water. Despite being classified with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, there is a very high risk associated with the structure, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures.

With its strategic location and vital role in water resource management, Dry Creek Diversion stands as a key infrastructure for agricultural activities in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find interest in the dam's design, purpose, and the ongoing efforts to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

34.8

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK BIG WILLOW CREEK

Surface Area

6.5

Hydraulic Height

29.8

Drainage Area

11.6

Nid Storage

77

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.