Hess Creek Dam

About Hess Creek Dam

The primary purpose of Hess Creek Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Alaska Placer Development (private). It impounds the South Fork Hess Creek near Livengood.

The dam stands 56 feet tall and stretches 1,710 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 10,200 acre-feet. Completed in 1946, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated unsatisfactory, indicating serious safety deficiencies exist that require immediate attention or remedial action. The most recent inspection on record was 09/06/2012. That was over 13 years ago.

At 56 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.

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