Galena Mill No 3 Lower Reservoir Report
Nearby: Galena No 2 Mtis Osburn
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Galena Mill No 3 Lower, located in Silverton, Idaho, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This tailings dam, completed in 1979, stands at a height of 64 feet with a normal storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. Situated on Lake Creek, a tributary of the South Fork Coeur d'Alene River, this earth dam covers a surface area of 4.4 acres and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 90 feet.
With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of July 2017, Galena Mill No 3 Lower poses a moderate risk in terms of potential failure. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes inspections every four years to ensure its structural integrity. The emergency action plan status and risk management measures for this dam are currently undisclosed, indicating a need for continued monitoring and preparedness in the event of an emergency.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Shoshone County area will find Galena Mill No 3 Lower to be an intriguing structure due to its historical significance, regulatory oversight, and potential environmental impact in the region. As discussions around dam safety and emergency response strategies continue to evolve, staying informed about the condition and risk profile of dams like Galena Mill No 3 Lower is crucial for ensuring the protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Height |
64 |
River Or Stream |
LAKE CREEK SOUTH FORK COEUR D ALENE RIVER |
Surface Area |
4.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
61.8 |
Nid Storage |
130 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
64 |
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.
Galena Mill No 3 Lower