Upper Falls Control Works

Spokane River· Spokane, Washington· Built 1922· Gravity· 24 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Upper Falls Control Works is classified as low hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 32.6% in WA)
Dam Length366 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage800 acre-ft
Normal Storage800 acre-ft
Surface Area150 acres
Drainage Area4,255 sq mi
Max Discharge38,000 cfs
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
NID IDWA00038

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 16, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Avista Corporation

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Falls Control Works?

Upper Falls Control Works is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Upper Falls Control Works?

Upper Falls Control Works is owned by Avista Corporation (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Falls Control Works built?

Upper Falls Control Works was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Upper Falls Control Works?

Upper Falls Control Works serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Falls Control Works?

Upper Falls Control Works has a dam height of 24 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 Upper Falls Control Works last inspected?

Upper Falls Control Works was last inspected on August 16, 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.