Red Dog Water Supply Dam

BONS CREEK· Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska· Built 1989· Rockfill· 63 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Red Dog Water Supply Dam is classified as significant hazard in Alaska. It was completed in 1989 and is 37 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 63 ft (taller than 78.8% in AK)
Dam Length415 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage684 acre-ft
Normal Storage535 acre-ft
Surface Area30 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge990 cfs
Year Completed1989 (37 years old)
NID IDAK00200

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: August 1, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: AKDNR

Ownership

TECK ALASKA INC

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Red Dog Water Supply Dam?

Red Dog Water Supply 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 Red Dog Water Supply Dam?

Red Dog Water Supply Dam is owned by TECK ALASKA INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Red Dog Water Supply Dam built?

Red Dog Water Supply Dam was completed in 1989, making it 37 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 Red Dog Water Supply Dam?

Red Dog Water Supply 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 Red Dog Water Supply Dam?

Red Dog Water Supply Dam has a dam height of 63 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 Red Dog Water Supply Dam last inspected?

Red Dog Water Supply Dam was last inspected on August 1, 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.