Tapps Lake Dike No 4

Diversion from White River· Pierce, Washington· Built 1911· Earth·
High Hazard Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Tapps Lake Dike No 4 is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Length2,870 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage53.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage46.7K acre-ft
Surface Area2,570 acres
Drainage Area16 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1911 (115 years old)
NID IDWA00296

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: July 12, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

Cascade Water Alliance

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tapps Lake Dike No 4?

Tapps Lake Dike No 4 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 Tapps Lake Dike No 4?

Tapps Lake Dike No 4 is owned by Cascade Water Alliance (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Tapps Lake Dike No 4 built?

Tapps Lake Dike No 4 was completed in 1911, making it 115 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 Tapps Lake Dike No 4?

Tapps Lake Dike No 4 serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Tapps Lake Dike No 4 last inspected?

Tapps Lake Dike No 4 was last inspected on July 12, 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.