Black Canyon Diversion Dam
Black Canyon Diversion Dam is a concrete dam located in Gem County, Idaho, built in 1924. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Black Canyon Diversion Dam
The primary purpose of Black Canyon Diversion Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Payette River near Emmett.
The dam stands 183 feet tall and stretches 1,039 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,100 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 31,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,680 square miles. Completed in 1924, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/01/2021.
At 183 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Idaho dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Idaho |
| County | Gem |
| Nearest City | Emmett |
| River/Stream | Payette River |
| Coordinates | 43.93030, -116.43670 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 183 ft |
| Dam Height | 183 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,039 ft |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 31,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 31,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 29,822 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,680 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 40,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 04/01/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ID00282 |
| Federal ID | ID00282 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |