Brownlee
Key Takeaway
Brownlee is classified as high hazard in Idaho. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 395 ft (taller than 99.2% in ID) |
| Dam Length | 1,380 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 1.5M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14,621 acres |
| Drainage Area | 72,800 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 307,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | ID00056 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Idaho Power Company
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Brownlee?
Brownlee 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 Brownlee?
Brownlee is owned by Idaho Power Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Brownlee built?
Brownlee was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Brownlee?
Brownlee serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Navigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Brownlee?
Brownlee has a dam height of 395 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 Brownlee last inspected?
Brownlee was last inspected on September 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.