Pumping Pond Dike

Baker River· Whatcom, Washington· Built 1960· Earth· 22 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Pumping Pond Dike is classified as low hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 30.4% in WA)
Dam Length3,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage234 acre-ft
Normal Storage234 acre-ft
Surface Area44 acres
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDWA00644

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: August 24, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Puget Sound Energy

Private

Nearby Dams

Upper Baker

Whatcom, WA

High Hazard 312 ft

Skagit Lake Dam

Skagit, WA

Low Hazard

Lower Baker

Skagit, WA

High Hazard 285 ft

Fish Barrier Dam

Skagit, WA

Low Hazard 19 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pumping Pond Dike?

Pumping Pond Dike 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 Pumping Pond Dike?

Pumping Pond Dike is owned by Puget Sound Energy (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pumping Pond Dike built?

Pumping Pond Dike was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Pumping Pond Dike?

Pumping Pond Dike 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 Pumping Pond Dike?

Pumping Pond Dike has a dam height of 22 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 Pumping Pond Dike last inspected?

Pumping Pond Dike was last inspected on August 24, 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.