Ship Creek Dam

SHIP CREEK· Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska· Built 1954· Gravity·
High Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Ship Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Alaska. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 Length80 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage27 acre-ft
Normal Storage27 acre-ft
Max Discharge2,000 cfs
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDAK00035

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 31, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: AKDNR

Ownership

DOYON UTILITIES

Private

Nearby Dams

Cremo Lake Dam

Municipality of Anchorage, AK

Significant Hazard 6 ft

Gregory Lake

Municipality of Anchorage, AK

Low Hazard 16 ft

Lower Fire Lake Dam

Municipality of Anchorage, AK

High Hazard 13 ft

Lake "O" The Hills

Municipality of Anchorage, AK

High Hazard 13 ft

Westchester Lagoon Dam

Municipality of Anchorage, AK

Significant Hazard 22 ft

Campbell Lake Dam

Municipality of Anchorage, AK

Low Hazard 11 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ship Creek Dam?

Ship Creek Dam 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 Ship Creek Dam?

Ship Creek Dam is owned by DOYON UTILITIES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ship Creek Dam built?

Ship Creek Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Ship Creek Dam?

Ship Creek 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.

When was Ship Creek Dam last inspected?

Ship Creek Dam was last inspected on July 31, 2018. 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.