Cushman No 1
Key Takeaway
Cushman No 1 is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 235 ft (taller than 84.8% in WA) |
| Dam Length | 1,111 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 482.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 453.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4,010 acres |
| Drainage Area | 95 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00145 |
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
City of Tacoma
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cushman No 1?
Cushman No 1 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 Cushman No 1?
Cushman No 1 is owned by City of Tacoma (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cushman No 1 built?
Cushman No 1 was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Cushman No 1?
Cushman No 1 serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cushman No 1?
Cushman No 1 has a dam height of 235 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 Cushman No 1 last inspected?
Cushman No 1 was last inspected on May 19, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.