Power Lake Dam

North Fork Calispell Creek· Pend Oreille, Washington· Built 1922· Rockfill·
High Hazard Hydroelectric Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Power Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 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 Length162 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage1.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage790 acre-ft
Surface Area62 acres
Drainage Area56 sq mi
Max Discharge11,300 cfs
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
NID IDWA00010

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: September 18, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

Pend Oreille Public Utility District

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Power Lake Dam?

Power 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 Power Lake Dam?

Power Lake Dam is owned by Pend Oreille Public Utility District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Power Lake Dam built?

Power Lake Dam was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Power Lake Dam?

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

When was Power Lake Dam last inspected?

Power Lake Dam was last inspected on September 18, 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.