Ketchikan Lakes
Key Takeaway
Ketchikan Lakes is classified as high hazard in Alaska. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 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 | 34 ft (taller than 62.4% in AK) |
| Dam Length | 1,163 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 13.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 632 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | AK00006 |
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 Ketchikan
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Fawn Lake Dam North
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Significant Hazard 15 ftCarlanna Lake
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
High Hazard 31 ftLake Connell
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
High Hazard 96 ftWhitman Lake
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
High Hazard 39 ftWard Cove Cannery Dam
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Low Hazard 25 ftUpper Silvis
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Low Hazard 60 ftLower Silvis
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Low Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ketchikan Lakes?
Ketchikan Lakes 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 Ketchikan Lakes?
Ketchikan Lakes is owned by City of Ketchikan (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ketchikan Lakes built?
Ketchikan Lakes was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Ketchikan Lakes?
Ketchikan Lakes serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ketchikan Lakes?
Ketchikan Lakes has a dam height of 34 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 Ketchikan Lakes last inspected?
Ketchikan Lakes was last inspected on June 23, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.