Inspections and Reports

IDWR currently regulates nearly 600 water storage dams and more than 20 mine tailings impoundment structures located throughout the state. Dam Safety program personnel perform regular inspections of existing projects according to the potential consequences that a dam failure and sudden release of water would present to downstream life and property. The frequency between individual dam inspections depends on such items as the project’s physical condition, method of construction, maintenance record, age, hazard rating, and size and storage capacity. However, all statutory sized dams must be inspected by IDWR no less than every five (5) years. Persons interested in obtaining or reviewing copies of inspection reports prepared by IDWR for non-federal dams may contact the State Office in Boise.