Solomon Gulch Spillway

About Solomon Gulch Spillway

The primary purpose of Solomon Gulch Spillway 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 Copper Valley Electric Association, Inc. (private). It impounds the Solomon Gulch Creek near Valdez, Ak.

The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 355 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 660 acres, has a storage capacity of 31,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 19 square miles. Completed in 1981, the structure is 45 years 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. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/09/2022.

At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.

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 Alaska dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

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