Wilson Lake

CANAL SNAKE RIVER· Jerome, Idaho· Built 1909· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Wilson Lake is classified as significant hazard in Idaho. It was completed in 1909 and is 117 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 58.6% in ID)
Dam Length700 ft
Max Storage4.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.6K acre-ft
Surface Area504 acres
Drainage Area135 sq mi
Max Discharge1,278 cfs
Year Completed1909 (117 years old)
Year Modified1991
NID IDID00020

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: No
Last Inspection: November 7, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDWR

Ownership

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wilson Lake?

Wilson Lake 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 Wilson Lake?

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

When was Wilson Lake built?

Wilson Lake was completed in 1909, making it 117 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 Wilson Lake?

Wilson Lake 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 Wilson Lake?

Wilson Lake has a dam height of 31 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 Wilson Lake last inspected?

Wilson Lake was last inspected on November 7, 2017. 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.