Barber
Barber is a timber crib dam located in Ada County, Idaho, built in 1904. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Barber
The primary purpose of Barber 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 Ada County (private). It impounds the Boise River near Boise, Id.
The dam stands 26 feet tall and stretches 2,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 48 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,700 square miles. Completed in 1904, the structure is over a century old.
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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/07/2021.
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Location
| State | Idaho |
| County | Ada |
| Nearest City | Boise, Id |
| River/Stream | Boise River |
| Coordinates | 43.56046, -116.12168 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Timber Crib |
| NID Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1904 (122 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 48 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,700 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 37,922 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Ada County |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 12/07/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ID00207 |
| Federal ID | ID00207 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |