Petersburg Upper Dam

CITY CREEK· Petersburg Borough, Alaska· Built 1950· Other· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Petersburg Upper Dam is classified as significant hazard in Alaska. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 40% in AK)
Dam Length286 ft
Dam TypeOther
Max Storage142 acre-ft
Normal Storage123 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge2,000 cfs
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)
NID IDAK00016

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, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: AKDNR

Ownership

CITY OF PETERSBURG

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Petersburg Upper Dam?

Petersburg Upper Dam 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 Petersburg Upper Dam?

Petersburg Upper Dam is owned by CITY OF PETERSBURG (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Petersburg Upper Dam built?

Petersburg Upper Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 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 Petersburg Upper Dam?

Petersburg Upper Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Petersburg Upper Dam?

Petersburg Upper Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Petersburg Upper Dam last inspected?

Petersburg Upper Dam was last inspected on September 17, 2019. 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.