Payette Lake

NORTH FORK PAYETTE RIVER PAYETTE RIVER· Valley, Idaho· Built 1943· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Payette Lake is classified as significant hazard in Idaho. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 5.1% in ID)
Dam Length168 ft
Normal Storage41.0K acre-ft
Surface Area5,337 acres
Drainage Area144 sq mi
Max Discharge7,330 cfs
Year Completed1943 (83 years old)
Year Modified2012
NID IDID00244

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 17, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDWR

Ownership

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Payette Lake?

Payette Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Payette Lake?

Payette Lake is owned by information not available (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Payette Lake built?

Payette Lake was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 Payette Lake?

Payette Lake serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Payette Lake?

Payette Lake has a dam height of 13 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 Payette Lake last inspected?

Payette Lake was last inspected on September 17, 2020. 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.