Little Falls Spillway Dam

Spokane River· Lincoln, Washington· Built 1910· Gravity·
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Little Falls Spillway Dam is classified as low hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage4.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.3K acre-ft
Surface Area4,250 acres
Drainage Area5,844 sq mi
Max Discharge70,000 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDWA00653

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: Yes
Last Inspection: September 28, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

Avista Utilities

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Little Falls Spillway Dam?

Little Falls Spillway 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 Little Falls Spillway Dam?

Little Falls Spillway Dam is owned by Avista Utilities (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Little Falls Spillway Dam built?

Little Falls Spillway 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 Little Falls Spillway Dam?

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

When was Little Falls Spillway Dam last inspected?

Little Falls Spillway Dam was last inspected on September 28, 2022. 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.