Dams in Alaska

Dam Safety in Alaska

Alaska has 105 dams tracked in the National Inventory of Dams. Of these, 29 (27%) are classified as high hazard — meaning failure would probably cause loss of human life — and 41 are classified as significant hazard. Currently, 11 dams in the state have a condition assessment of poor or unsatisfactory, indicating recognized safety deficiencies.

The average dam in Alaska is 56 years old. The most common purpose for dams in Alaska is water supply, accounting for 48 of the state's dams.

The federal inventory is not every dam in Alaska. It includes dams rated high or significant hazard, plus low-hazard dams above a size threshold (taller than 25 feet holding more than 15 acre-feet, or taller than 6 feet holding more than 50 acre-feet). Small, older dams below that line are usually left out, even though they can still shape the streams around them. The state's own dam safety program often tracks many more, and it is the agency that inspects most of them.

Use the search above to find dams near any address in Alaska, or browse by county below. Each dam listing includes its hazard potential classification, condition assessment, physical characteristics, and inspection history from the NID.

Alaska Dam Facts

Notable Dams in Alaska

Explore Alaska Dams

Counties in Alaska

High Hazard Dams in Alaska