Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8
Key Takeaway
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8 is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is tailings. 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 Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 84 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,310 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00294 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
TransAlta Centralia Mining LLC
Public Utility
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8 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 Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8 is owned by TransAlta Centralia Mining LLC (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8 built?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8 was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8 serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8 last inspected?
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 8 was last inspected on August 8, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.