Windspeed
Humidity
Mackay, a privately owned dam located in Idaho, was completed in 1918 and sits on the Big Lost River Sinks. This rockfill dam stands at a height of 75.2 feet with a storage capacity of 45,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,392 acres. With a drainage area of 788 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge rate of 7,000 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Mackay is currently in fair condition following its last inspection in October 2019. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. Its emergency action plan (EAP) status is not specified, and there have been no inundation maps prepared. The risk assessment for Mackay indicates a moderate risk level (3), suggesting a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mackay presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management and risk assessment. Its location in the scenic Custer County, Idaho, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Big Lost River Sinks, underscores the importance of balancing water resource development with environmental conservation and safety considerations. As discussions around climate change and water scarcity continue to evolve, understanding the condition and risk profile of dams like Mackay becomes increasingly vital for sustainable water management practices in the region.
Gage Height, Ft 24hr Change | 1.16% |
Percent of Normal | 103% |
Minimum |
6.99 ft
2023-10-02 |
Maximum |
66.67 ft
2024-06-18 |
Average | 40 ft |
Dam_Height | 75.2 |
Hydraulic_Height | 67 |
Drainage_Area | 788 |
Year_Completed | 1918 |
Nid_Storage | 45000 |
Foundations | Rock, Soil |
Surface_Area | 1392 |
Outlet_Gates | Slide (sluice gate) |
River_Or_Stream | BIG LOST RIVER SINKS |
Dam_Length | 1430 |
Hazard_Potential | High |
Nid_Height | 75 |
Discharge | Stage | Elevation | |
BIG WOOD RIVER NR BELLEVUE ID
1996-09-16T23:45:00.000-06:00 |
89cfs | ft | 4820ft |
BIG WOOD RIVER AT STANTON CROSSING NR BELLEVUE ID
2024-12-21T00:00:00.000-07:00 |
13cfs | 4.19ft | 4843ft |
BIG LOST RIVER AT HOWELL RANCH NR CHILLY ID
2024-11-20T01:00:00.000-07:00 |
133cfs | 2.55ft | 6631ft |
SILVER CREEK AT SPORTSMAN ACCESS NR PICABO ID
2024-12-19T00:45:00.000-07:00 |
97cfs | 6.81ft | 4849ft |
LITTLE WOOD RIVER NR CAREY ID
2024-12-04T02:45:00.000-07:00 |
2cfs | 0.77ft | 5002ft |
BIG WOOD RIVER BL MAGIC DAM NR RICHFIELD ID
2024-12-21T01:15:00.000-07:00 |
5cfs | 1.84ft | 4670ft |