Skookumchuck
Key Takeaway
Skookumchuck is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 | 160 ft (taller than 69.6% in WA) |
| Dam Length | 1,340 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 35.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 540 acres |
| Drainage Area | 62 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 28,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00153 |
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
Skookumchuck Dam LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 19a
Lewis, WA
Low HazardCentralia Coal Mine Dam No 19
Lewis, WA
Low HazardCentralia Coal Mine Pond 46 Dam
Lewis, WA
High HazardCentralia Coal Mine Pond 46a Dam
Lewis, WA
High HazardCentralia Coal Mine Dam No 32b
Thurston, WA
Low HazardCentralia Coal Mine Dam No 44
Lewis, WA
Low HazardCentralia Coal Mine Dam No 5c
Lewis, WA
Low HazardCentralia Coal Mine Dam No 36a
Lewis, WA
Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Skookumchuck?
Skookumchuck 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 Skookumchuck?
Skookumchuck is owned by Skookumchuck Dam LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Skookumchuck built?
Skookumchuck was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Skookumchuck?
Skookumchuck serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Skookumchuck?
Skookumchuck has a dam height of 160 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 Skookumchuck last inspected?
Skookumchuck was last inspected on September 13, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.