W-Drain Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lower Salmon Ravenscroft Diversion
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
W-Drain, located in Gooding, Idaho, is a privately owned water drainage structure that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
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Summary
Built in 2008, this Earth dam stands at a height of 17.3 feet and has a hydraulic height of 14.5 feet. With a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet and a spillway width of 13 feet, W-Drain is designed to handle significant water flow and mitigate flood risks in the region.
Managed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, W-Drain is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, but its condition assessment as of July 2017 was deemed satisfactory. As a key part of the Snake River watershed, W-Drain serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
Despite its moderate risk assessment level, W-Drain continues to fulfill its primary purpose of water drainage effectively. With its valve outlet gates and satisfactory condition, this structure remains a critical asset for water management in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role and importance of structures like W-Drain is essential in ensuring sustainable water management practices and resilience to changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
2008 |
Dam Height |
17.3 |
River Or Stream |
BIRCH CREEK SNAKE RIVER |
Surface Area |
14.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.5 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
W-Drain
Snake River
Box Canyon