Salmon Lake

SALMON CREEK OS· Okanogan, Washington· Built 1920· Earth· 54 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Salmon Lake is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 Height 54 ft (taller than 47.8% in WA)
Dam Length1,250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage17.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage15.7K acre-ft
Surface Area313 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge400 cfs
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDWA00291

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: April 23, 2020
State Regulated: No

Ownership

RECLAMATION

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Salmon Lake?

Salmon 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 Salmon Lake?

Salmon Lake is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Salmon Lake built?

Salmon Lake was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Salmon Lake?

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

How tall is Salmon Lake?

Salmon Lake has a dam height of 54 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 Salmon Lake last inspected?

Salmon Lake was last inspected on April 23, 2020. 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.