The Boise River Diversion Dam, on the Boise River about 7 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho, is a rubble-concrete, weir-type structure with a hydraulic height of 39 feet. The dam diverts water into the New York Canal which serves distribution laterals and feeds Lake Lowell. A small canal known as the Penitentiary Canal, also originating at the diversion dam, distributes water on the north side of the Boise River to a small area of land east of Boise. The powerplant consists of three 500-kilowatt units that began operation in 1912. However, in 1983, the powerplant was placed in a "ready reserve" status due to the age of the generators and excessive maintenance costs. Due to the deteriorated condition of the equipment and high operating costs resulting from full-attended operation, the powerplant was placed in ready reserve status in 1982. The plant was reconstructed in 2002 to 2004 and returned to service in June, 2004. The nameplate rating for the plant was increased from the original 1500 kW to 3300 kW. The existing double turbine configuration was retained, but refurbished with new materials and technology. New modern generators were installed inside the originalgenerator housings.
General
Project
Boise
Dam Type
Concrete and masonry weir
Longitude
-116.0933
Latitude
43.5383
Watercourse
Boise River
Original Construction
1906-1908
National ID Number
ID00281
Location
7 miles SE of Boise, ID
Reservoir
Boise Diversion Pool
Base Width
100 ft
Dimensions
Structural Height
68.0 ft
Hydraulic Height (Normal Operating Depth at Dam)
39.0 ft
Spillway Crest Elevation
2812.84 ft
Crest Elevation
2829.84 ft
Crest Width
12 ft
Crest Length
500 ft
Hydraulics & Hydrology
Total Water Storage at Elevation
0 active; 1,200 ac-ft total at 2817.0 ft
Spillway Type
Overflow with flashboards
Spillway Capacity at Elevation
37,700 cfs at 2827.84 ft
Outlet Works Capacity at Elevation
1,700 cfs at 2817.0 ft
Diversion Capacity at Elevation
2,800 cfs New York Canal
Net Generation
9,429,000 kWh in 2011
Contact
Owner
Title: Area Office Manager Organization: Snake River Area Office Address: 230 Collins Road City: Boise, ID 83702-4520 Fax: 208-383-2275 Phone: 208-383-2248
Operator
Organization: Boise Project Board of Control Address: 2465 Overland Road City: Boise, ID 83705-3155 Phone: 208-344-1141
More Information about the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
