Helsell Dam

Unnamed Creek· San Juan, Washington· Built 1999· Earth·
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Helsell Dam is classified as low hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1999 and is 27 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage82 acre-ft
Normal Storage55 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge5 cfs
Year Completed1999 (27 years old)
NID IDWA00724

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 25, 2009
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

JB & JM Helsell, LLLP

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Helsell Dam?

Helsell Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Helsell Dam?

Helsell Dam is owned by JB & JM Helsell, LLLP (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Helsell Dam built?

Helsell Dam was completed in 1999, making it 27 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 Helsell Dam?

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

When was Helsell Dam last inspected?

Helsell Dam was last inspected on August 25, 2009. 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.