Eklutna Dam

About Eklutna Dam

The primary purpose of Eklutna 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 C.e.a.;m.e.a.;m.o.a. (public utility). It impounds the Eklutna River near Eklutna Village.

The dam stands 56 feet tall and stretches 815 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,450 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 240,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 119 square miles. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 07/12/2018. That was 7 years ago, which is on the longer end for a high-hazard structure.

At 56 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.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.