Squaw Creek

SQUAW CREEK PAYNE CREEK· Owyhee, Idaho· Built 1968· 61 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Squaw Creek is classified as high hazard in Idaho. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 61 ft (taller than 84.1% in ID)
Dam Length850 ft
Normal Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area72 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Max Discharge770 cfs
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDID00236

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: September 15, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDWR

Ownership

Private

Nearby Dams

Payne Creek

Owyhee, ID

Low Hazard 33 ft

Alder

Owyhee, ID

Low Hazard 21 ft

Little Blue Creek

Owyhee, ID

Significant Hazard 37 ft

Snow Creek North

Owyhee, ID

Low Hazard 13 ft

Big Blue Creek

Owyhee, ID

Significant Hazard 34 ft

Snow Creek South

Owyhee, ID

Low Hazard 11 ft

Tindall

Owyhee, ID

Low Hazard 13 ft

Bybee

Owyhee, ID

Low Hazard 60 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Squaw Creek?

Squaw Creek 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 Squaw Creek?

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

When was Squaw Creek built?

Squaw Creek was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Squaw Creek?

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

How tall is Squaw Creek?

Squaw Creek has a dam height of 61 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 Squaw Creek last inspected?

Squaw Creek was last inspected on September 15, 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.