Blue Lake Dam

Blue Lake Dam Quick Facts

Location: Sitka, Alaska
Coordinates: 57.062861, -135.1985
River: Sawmill Creek River
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric
Type: Arch
Commissioned: 1961
Dam Height: 294 ft (90 m)
Dam Length: 288 ft (88 m)
Dam Capacity: 266,000 acre-ft (328,106 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Satisfactory
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Blue Lake Dam Map

Blue Lake Dam Information

Blue Lake Dam is an arch dam located in None, Sitka, Alaska.

The dam, which is on the Sawmill Creek River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for Recreation and Water Supply benefits.

The dam was designed by Carey and Kramer and commissioned in 1961 and is currently owned by City and Borough of Sitka.

Blue Lake Dam Structure

The Blue Lake Dam is approximately 288 feet (88 m) long, 294 feet (90 m) high and has a structural volume of 0 cubic yards (0 cubic metres).

Blue Lake Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 266,000 acre-ft (328,106 Ml) and maximum capacity of 266,000 acre-ft (328,106 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 1,646 acres (666 ha) and the total catchment area is 37 square miles (96 square kilometres).

Blue Lake Dam Spillway

The dam has a 140 feet (43 m) wide uncontrolled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 14000 cubic feet per second (396 cubic metres per second).

Blue Lake Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams

Height (ft)
Length (Ft)
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
Drainage Area (sq miles)
 
Blue Lake Dam
Sitka, Alaska
Height (ft)
294
Length (Ft)
288
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
266,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
37
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Height (ft)
730
Length (Ft)
1,244
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
30,237,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
167,800
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Height (ft)
550
Length (Ft)
5,673
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
9,562,0000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
74,100
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Height (ft)
357
Length (Ft)
1,208
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,411,500
Drainage Area (sq miles)
5,736
Oroville Dam
Butte County, California
Height (ft)
235
Length (Ft)
6,920
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,540,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
3,611
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft)
216
Length (Ft)
1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
108,355

Blue Lake Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Blue Lake Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Blue Lake Dam

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Blue Lake Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Blue Lake Dam?

Blue Lake Dam is in Alaska.

In which county is the Blue Lake Dam?

Blue Lake Dam is in Sitka County.

How high is the Blue Lake Dam?

Blue Lake Dam is 294 feet high.

How long is the Blue Lake Dam?

Blue Lake Dam is 288 feet long.

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More Dams in Sitka County:

Blue Lake Dam
Green Lake Dam

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Annex Creek Dam
Blue Lake Dam
Bradley Lake Dam
Cooper Lake Dam
Crystal Lake Dam
Eklutna Dam
Fort Knox Tailings Dam
Fort Knox Water Dam
Green Lake Dam
Ketchikan Lakes Dam
Lake Connell Dam
Moose Creek Dam
Red Dog Tailings Back Dam
Red Dog Tailings Main Dam
Salmon Creek Dam
Solomon Gulch Dam
Swan Lake Dam
Terror Lake Dam
Upper Silvis Dam

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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