Leader Lake Dam

Tr-Tallant Creek· Okanogan, Washington· Built 1910· Earth·
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Leader Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 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 Length350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage7.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage5.9K acre-ft
Surface Area185 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge470 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDWA00223

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: October 9, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

Pleasant Valley Water Users Assoc

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Leader Lake Dam?

Leader Lake 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 Leader Lake Dam?

Leader Lake Dam is owned by Pleasant Valley Water Users Assoc (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Leader Lake Dam built?

Leader Lake Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Leader Lake Dam?

Leader Lake 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 Leader Lake Dam last inspected?

Leader Lake Dam was last inspected on October 9, 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.