Patterson Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Patterson Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 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 Length | 260 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 150 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 260 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00073 |
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
Wolf Creek Reclamation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Patterson Lake Dam?
Patterson 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 Patterson Lake Dam?
Patterson Lake Dam is owned by Wolf Creek Reclamation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Patterson Lake Dam built?
Patterson Lake Dam was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Patterson Lake Dam?
Patterson Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Patterson Lake Dam last inspected?
Patterson Lake Dam was last inspected on August 19, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.