Little Wood River
Key Takeaway
Little Wood River is classified as high hazard in Idaho. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 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 | 129 ft (taller than 95.4% in ID) |
| Dam Length | 3,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 33.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 30.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 590 acres |
| Drainage Area | 286 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | ID00041 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Little Wood River?
Little Wood River 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 Little Wood River?
Little Wood River is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Wood River built?
Little Wood River was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Little Wood River?
Little Wood River serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Little Wood River?
Little Wood River has a dam height of 129 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 Little Wood River last inspected?
Little Wood River was last inspected on July 7, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.