South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam

South Fork McCorkle Creek· Cowlitz, Washington· Built 1989· Earth·
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1989 and is 37 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Length625 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage322 acre-ft
Normal Storage159 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge2,100 cfs
Year Completed1989 (37 years old)
NID IDWA00585

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 13, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

Cowlitz Cnty

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam?

South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention 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 South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam?

South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam is owned by Cowlitz Cnty (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam built?

South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam was completed in 1989, making it 37 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 South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam?

South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam last inspected?

South Fork Mccorkle Creek Detention Dam was last inspected on September 13, 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.