Eklutna Dam

EKLUTNA RIVER· Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska· Built 1965· Earth· 41 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Eklutna Dam is classified as high hazard in Alaska. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 41 ft (taller than 69.4% in AK)
Dam Length815 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage240.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage175.0K acre-ft
Surface Area3,450 acres
Drainage Area119 sq mi
Max Discharge4,000 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDAK00033

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: July 12, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: AKDNR

Ownership

C.E.A.;M.E.A.;M.O.A.

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Eklutna Dam?

Eklutna Dam 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 Eklutna Dam?

Eklutna Dam is owned by C.E.A.;M.E.A.;M.O.A. (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Eklutna Dam built?

Eklutna Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Eklutna Dam?

Eklutna Dam 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 Eklutna Dam?

Eklutna Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Eklutna Dam last inspected?

Eklutna Dam was last inspected on July 12, 2018. 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.