Packwood Lake
Key Takeaway
Packwood Lake is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 | 14 ft (taller than 15.2% in WA) |
| Dam Length | 85 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 6.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 453 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00150 |
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
Energy Northwest
Public Utility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Packwood Lake?
Packwood Lake 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 Packwood Lake?
Packwood Lake is owned by Energy Northwest (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Packwood Lake built?
Packwood Lake was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Packwood Lake?
Packwood Lake 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 Packwood Lake?
Packwood Lake has a dam height of 14 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 Packwood Lake last inspected?
Packwood Lake was last inspected on August 23, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.