Diversion Dam and Deer Flat Embankments, Historic dam and embankment system in Ada County and Canyon County, United States.
The Diversion Dam and Deer Flat Embankments comprise three interconnected structures that regulate water flow across southwestern Idaho's farming regions. These components spread across two counties and work together to manage the water supply that sustains the Treasure Valley's agricultural economy.
Engineers built these structures between 1906 and 1912 as part of the Bureau of Reclamation's Boise Project, bringing irrigation to southwestern Idaho's dry landscape. This construction represented a broader federal effort to develop water resources across the American West during the early 20th century.
The dam system represents a turning point in how this region developed, marking the shift from sparse settlement to thriving agricultural communities. Local farmers and residents see these structures as foundational to the prosperity they experience today.
These structures are viewable from public roads and accessible viewing areas that allow you to see the overall system and understand how it functions. Visit during the irrigation season to see the dams actively distributing water across the farmland and get a sense of their working purpose.
The system combines the Boise River Diversion Dam with two earth embankments, serving a dual purpose as both an irrigation supplier and a source of hydroelectric power. This combined approach to water management and power generation was an innovative solution when it was first built.
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