Aberdeen Lake Dam

Van Winkle Creek· Grays Harbor, Washington· Built 1928· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Aberdeen Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length650 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage700 acre-ft
Surface Area65 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge1,975 cfs
Year Completed1928 (98 years old)
Year Modified1994
NID IDWA00112

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 21, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

Aberdeen City

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Aberdeen Lake Dam?

Aberdeen Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Aberdeen Lake Dam?

Aberdeen Lake Dam is owned by Aberdeen City (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Aberdeen Lake Dam built?

Aberdeen Lake Dam was completed in 1928, making it 98 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Aberdeen Lake Dam?

Aberdeen Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Aberdeen Lake Dam last inspected?

Aberdeen Lake Dam was last inspected on March 21, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.