Sullivan Lake

Sullivan Creek, Pend Oreille R· Pend Oreille, Washington· Built 1923· Gravity· 25 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Sullivan Lake is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 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 25 ft (taller than 33.7% in WA)
Dam Length210 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Normal Storage31.0K acre-ft
Surface Area1,923 acres
Drainage Area51 sq mi
Max Discharge4,000 cfs
Year Completed1923 (103 years old)
NID IDWA00012

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: May 26, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

PUD #1 of Pend Oreille County

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sullivan Lake?

Sullivan 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 Sullivan Lake?

Sullivan Lake is owned by PUD #1 of Pend Oreille County (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sullivan Lake built?

Sullivan Lake was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Sullivan Lake?

Sullivan Lake 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 Sullivan Lake?

Sullivan Lake has a dam height of 25 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 Sullivan Lake last inspected?

Sullivan Lake was last inspected on May 26, 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.