French Canyon
Key Takeaway
French Canyon is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1985 and is 41 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 Height | 74 ft (taller than 57.6% in WA) |
| Dam Length | 1,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 670 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 23,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1985 (41 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00433 |
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
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of French Canyon?
French Canyon 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 French Canyon?
French Canyon is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was French Canyon built?
French Canyon was completed in 1985, making it 41 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 French Canyon?
French Canyon serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is French Canyon?
French Canyon has a dam height of 74 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 French Canyon last inspected?
French Canyon was last inspected on August 3, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.