This gravity dam, completed in 1917, stands at a height of 44 feet and spans a length of 268 feet, holding back a reservoir with a storage capacity of 249 acre-feet. The dam controls the flow of the Lake Creek and Kootenai River, with a maximum discharge capacity of 6,925 cubic feet per second.
With a surface area of 30 acres and a drainage area of 215 square miles, Lake Creek poses a high hazard potential due to its very high risk assessment rating. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 104 feet and is equipped with 18 slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. While the condition assessment is not available, the last inspection in September 2020 revealed the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Despite its federal regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam is not state-regulated nor subject to state inspection, permitting, or enforcement.
Lake Creek serves as a vital component of the region's water resource infrastructure and contributes to the local hydroelectric power generation. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate in the area can appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of this structure, while also recognizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the sustainable use of this valuable resource.
Wind
Humidity
Year Completed |
1917 |
Dam Length |
268 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
Lake Creek, Kootenai River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
30 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
215 |
Nid Storage |
249 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 18 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
44 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Kootenai River Campground
|
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Yaak River Campground
|
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Yaak River
|
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Kilbrennan Lake
|
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Kilbrennan Lake Campground
|
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Dorr Skeels
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9 Miles From Quartz Creek To Surprise Gulch,Two Miles Below Kootenai Falls To 9 Miles From Quartz Creek To Surprise Gulch,Two Miles Below Kootenai Falls
10 Miles From Surprise Gulch To A Mile Below Kootenai Vista Estates To 10 Miles From Surprise Gulch To A Mile Below Kootenai Vista Estates
From The Headwaters Of The West Fork Of Quartz Creek Downstream For Three Miles To The Boundary Of The Flagstaff Mountain Inventoried Roadless Area #690 To
From The Boundary Of The Flagstaff Mountain Inventoried Roadless Area #690 Downstream For Three Miles To The Confluence Of Main Quartz Creek To
Yaak Falls, Sec. 4, T33N, R33W To Downstream To Bpa Powerline, 6 Miles West Of Troy
10 Miles From Tub Gulch To Quartz Creek To 10 Miles From Tub Gulch To Quartz Creek