Crystal Lake
Key Takeaway
Crystal Lake is classified as high hazard in Alaska. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 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 | 43 ft (taller than 70.6% in AK) |
| Dam Length | 205 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 5.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 233 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,632 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | AK00005 |
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
City of Petersburg
Local Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake is owned by City of Petersburg (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Crystal Lake built?
Crystal Lake was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Crystal Lake?
Crystal Lake has a dam height of 43 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 Crystal Lake last inspected?
Crystal Lake was last inspected on June 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.