American Falls Dam

American Falls Dam Quick Facts

Location: Power, Idaho
Coordinates: 42.7794, -112.8743
River: Snake River
Primary Purpose: Flood Risk Reduction
Type: Concrete Gravity
Commissioned: 1927
Dam Height: 87 ft (26 m)
Dam Length: 5,277 ft (1,608 m)
Dam Capacity: 1,671,300 acre-ft (2,061,515 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Not Available
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American Falls Dam Information

American Falls Dam is a concrete gravity dam located in American Falls, Power, Idaho.

The dam, which is on the Snake River, was primarily built for Flood Risk Reduction purposes, but also serves for Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Irrigation, Fish and Wildlife Pond and Recreation benefits.

The dam was designed by and commissioned in 1927 and is currently owned by US Bureau of Reclamation.

American Falls Dam Structure

The American Falls Dam is approximately 5,277 feet (1,608 m) long, 87 feet (26 m) high and has a structural volume of 1,374,300 cubic yards (1,050,728 cubic metres).

American Falls Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 1,671,300 acre-ft (2,061,515 Ml) and maximum capacity of 1,671,300 acre-ft (2,061,515 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 58,076 acres (23,503 ha) and the total catchment area is 13,580 square miles (35,172 square kilometres).

American Falls Dam Spillway

The dam spillway has a maximum discharge capacity of 87000 cubic feet per second (2464 cubic metres per second).

American Falls Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams

Height (ft)
Length (Ft)
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
Drainage Area (sq miles)
 
American Falls Dam
Power, Idaho
Height (ft)
87
Length (Ft)
5,277
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
1,671,300
Drainage Area (sq miles)
13,580
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

American Falls Dam Weather

Current Conditions at American Falls Dam

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7-Day Forecast for American Falls Dam

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American Falls Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the American Falls Dam?

American Falls Dam is in Idaho.

In which county is the American Falls Dam?

American Falls Dam is in Power County.

How high is the American Falls Dam?

American Falls Dam is 87 feet high.

How long is the American Falls Dam?

American Falls Dam is 5,277 feet long.

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American Falls 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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