Soulen Family Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

The Soulen Family Dam, located in Valley County, Idaho, is a private earth dam constructed in 2009 on the North Fork of the Payette River.


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Summary

With a height of 22 feet and a length of 633 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including flood control and irrigation. The dam is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the Soulen Family Dam is considered to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2017. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and an outlet gate consisting of a slide (sluice gate). In the event of an emergency, the dam does not currently have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, raising some concerns about its ability to respond effectively to unforeseen events. Overall, the risk associated with the dam is rated as moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Soulen Family Dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure in the region's water management system. Its presence on the Mill Creek tributary of the Payette River helps to regulate water flow, protect against flooding, and support agricultural activities in the surrounding area. As discussions around the impacts of climate change continue to evolve, understanding the role of dams like Soulen Family Dam in maintaining water security and resilience will be crucial for sustainable water resource management in the future.

Year Completed

2009

Dam Length

633

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

MILL CREEK NORTH FORK PAYETTE RIVER

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

17.5

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

66

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.