Chalfa Dam

Tr-Benson Creek· Okanogan, Washington· Built 1940· Earth·
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Chalfa Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 Length320 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage99 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area16 sq mi
Max Discharge100 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDWA00328

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: July 18, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

WA DFW

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Chalfa Dam?

Chalfa 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 Chalfa Dam?

Chalfa Dam is owned by WA DFW (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Chalfa Dam built?

Chalfa Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Chalfa Dam?

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

When was Chalfa Dam last inspected?

Chalfa Dam was last inspected on July 18, 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.