Palisades
Key Takeaway
Palisades is classified as high hazard in Idaho. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 270 ft (taller than 98.2% in ID) |
| Dam Length | 2,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16,230 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,208 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 48,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | ID00273 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Palisades?
Palisades 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 Palisades?
Palisades is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Palisades built?
Palisades 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 Palisades?
Palisades serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Palisades?
Palisades has a dam height of 270 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 Palisades last inspected?
Palisades was last inspected on May 12, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.