Blackfoot

BLACKFOOT RIVER· Caribou, Idaho· Built 1911· Earth· 35 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Water Supply Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Blackfoot is classified as high hazard in Idaho. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 35 ft (taller than 64.3% in ID)
Dam Length360 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage350.0K acre-ft
Surface Area18,000 acres
Drainage Area581 sq mi
Max Discharge15,450 cfs
Year Completed1911 (115 years old)
NID IDID00204

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 10, 2012
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDWR

Ownership

BIA

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Blackfoot?

Blackfoot is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Blackfoot?

Blackfoot is owned by BIA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Blackfoot built?

Blackfoot was completed in 1911, making it 115 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Blackfoot?

Blackfoot serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Blackfoot?

Blackfoot has a dam height of 35 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Blackfoot last inspected?

Blackfoot was last inspected on May 10, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.