Whitman Lake
Key Takeaway
Whitman Lake is classified as high hazard in Alaska. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 39 ft (taller than 65.9% in AK) |
| Dam Length | 220 ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 148 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
| NID ID | AK00012 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Ketchikan Public Utilities
Public Utility
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Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whitman Lake?
Whitman Lake 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 Whitman Lake?
Whitman Lake is owned by Ketchikan Public Utilities (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whitman Lake built?
Whitman Lake was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Whitman Lake?
Whitman Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Whitman Lake?
Whitman Lake has a dam height of 39 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 Whitman Lake last inspected?
Whitman Lake was last inspected on June 23, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.