Wrangell Upper
Key Takeaway
Wrangell Upper is classified as high hazard in Alaska. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 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 Height | 28 ft (taller than 49.4% in AK) |
| Dam Length | 320 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 190 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 122 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 533 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
| NID ID | AK00013 |
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
CITY OF WRANGELL
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wrangell Upper?
Wrangell Upper 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 Wrangell Upper?
Wrangell Upper is owned by CITY OF WRANGELL (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wrangell Upper built?
Wrangell Upper was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Wrangell Upper?
Wrangell Upper 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 Wrangell Upper?
Wrangell Upper has a dam height of 28 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 Wrangell Upper last inspected?
Wrangell Upper was last inspected on December 5, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.