Mayfield

Cowlitz River· Lewis, Washington· Built 1963· Arch· 200 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Mayfield is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 200 ft (taller than 79.3% in WA)
Dam Length850 ft
Dam TypeArch
Max Storage184.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage133.7K acre-ft
Surface Area2,250 acres
Drainage Area1,392 sq mi
Max Discharge313,000 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDWA00152

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: June 29, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

City of Tacoma

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mayfield?

Mayfield 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 Mayfield?

Mayfield is owned by City of Tacoma (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mayfield built?

Mayfield was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Mayfield?

Mayfield 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 Mayfield?

Mayfield has a dam height of 200 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 Mayfield last inspected?

Mayfield was last inspected on June 29, 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.