Hardisty Wilson West Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Hardisty Wilson West, also known as Whitby Reservoir, is a privately owned water resource located in Owyhee, Idaho.


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Summary

This reservoir serves multiple purposes, including water storage for Juniper Creek and Wilson Creek. The dam, constructed in 1918, is primarily an earth and stone structure with a height of 18.4 meters and a storage capacity of 174 acre-feet.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Hardisty Wilson West underwent a fair condition assessment as of August 2017. The dam is regularly inspected and regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. With a very high risk assessment ranking, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness may need to be further developed to address potential challenges.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Hardisty Wilson West to be a fascinating example of early 20th-century dam construction and management practices. As part of the Sacramento District in Idaho, this reservoir plays a crucial role in the local water supply and ecosystem, highlighting the intersection of human infrastructure with natural resources in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

18.4

River Or Stream

JUNIPER CREEK WILSON CREEK

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

174

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.