Lower Salmon
Lower Salmon is a concrete dam located in Gooding County, Idaho, built in 1949. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lower Salmon
The primary purpose of Lower Salmon 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 Idaho Power Company (private). It impounds the Snake River near Bliss.
The dam stands 110 feet tall and stretches 1,200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 748 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 10,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,965 square miles. Completed in 1949, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 09/22/2022.
At 110 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Gooding |
| Nearest City | Bliss |
| River/Stream | Snake River |
| Coordinates | 42.84220, -114.90500 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 10,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 10,900 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 10,900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 748 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,965 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 72,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Idaho Power Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/22/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ID00052 |
| Federal ID | ID00052 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |