BLACK CANYON DAM
Black Canyon Diversion Dam is nestled in the gently
rolling hills between Emmett and Horseshoe Bend,
Idaho about 45 minutes north of Boise along State
Highway 52. This concrete gravity dam spans the
Payette River and is 183 feet tall. The construction
of the dam took place during the years of 1922, ’23
and ’24 in an effort to improve irrigation in the
Emmett Valley. Water from the dam is diverted to
the Black Canyon Main canal on the south side of
the Payette River and the Emmett Irrigation District
canal on the north side. These canals combined with
lesser canals serve 58,250 acres of farmland. The
reservoir created by the dam measures 1,100 acres
and offers 12 miles of shoreline. In addition to
improving irrigation in the Emmett Valley, Black
Canyon Reservoir provides some electricity and recreational opportunities in the form of boating, swimming, fishing and hiking. The reservoir also provides water for deer, elk, birds and other wildlife that winter in the surrounding hills. The dam, reservoir and related recreational areas are managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.