Best Dams for 2024

The Fort Peck Dam in Montana stands as a monumental achievement in hydraulic engineering. Not only is it the largest hydraulically filled dam in the world, stretching an impressive 21,000 feet in length, but its base width of 3,500 feet only adds to its colossal stature. Built during the New Deal era, this dam played a crucial role in stabilizing the Missouri River and supporting local irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. Its impressive Art Deco spillway and capacity to pump out 250,000 cubic feet of water per second make it a versatile utility marvel. The combination of its strategic importance, engineering brilliance, and historical significance makes Fort Peck Dam our top overall pick.

The Glen Canyon Dam is not only pivotal for water management in the Southwest United States but is also an iconic engineering feat. Located near Page, Arizona, this 710-foot concrete arch-gravity dam has a rich history, being constructed between 1956 and 1966. It creates Lake Powell, one of the largest manmade reservoirs in the country, and plays a significant role in water distribution within the Colorado River basin. Additionally, it contributes to the area's recreational appeal with opportunities for boating and fishing. Notably, the dam also featured the highest steel arch bridge in the world at the time of its completion, adding to its historical prestige.

The Ashfork-Bainbridge Steel Dam in Arizona is a testament to pioneering engineering concepts. Completed in 1898, this dam is renowned for being the first major dam in the United States constructed out of steel. Its primary purpose was to transfer water to steam locomotives, showcasing a unique application among dams. The structure is made up of 24 curved steel plates provided by the Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company, standing 46 feet high and 184 feet in length. This dam’s innovative design and historical significance as a steel structure make it a fascinating landmark in American engineering history.

For those focused on hydroelectric power, the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington is unrivaled. Towering at over 550 feet and nearly a mile wide, this dam was completed in 1942 and remains a key player in the United States' energy production. With more than 12 million cubic yards of concrete used in its construction, it could generate enough concrete to pave a highway from Miami to Seattle. The dam generates an astounding 21 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, making it the most powerful hydroelectric producer in the country. Its sheer size and capacity solidify its status as a critical asset for energy and water management in the region.

Standing as the tallest dam in the United States, the Oroville Dam in California is an extraordinary feat of engineering. Completed in 1968 along the Feather River, this earthfill dam reaches a towering height of 770 feet. It provides essential services such as water supply, hydroelectric power, and flood control, making it indispensable to California’s water infrastructure. Spanning three-quarters of a mile at its base, the Oroville Dam isn’t just large in size; it's an essential component of resource management in the state. Its enormous stature and crucial function make it a standout in the world of dams.