Cle Elum
Key Takeaway
Cle Elum is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1932 and is 94 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Height | 124 ft (taller than 67.4% in WA) |
| Dam Length | 1,801 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 710.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 437.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4,812 acres |
| Drainage Area | 206 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 40,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1932 (94 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00274 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cle Elum?
Cle Elum 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 Cle Elum?
Cle Elum is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cle Elum built?
Cle Elum was completed in 1932, making it 94 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 Cle Elum?
Cle Elum serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cle Elum?
Cle Elum has a dam height of 124 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Cle Elum last inspected?
Cle Elum was last inspected on August 12, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.