Wapato Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Wapato Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 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 Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 220 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 40 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00321 |
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
Lake Chelan Reclamation Dist
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wapato Lake Dam?
Wapato Lake 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 Wapato Lake Dam?
Wapato Lake Dam is owned by Lake Chelan Reclamation Dist (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wapato Lake Dam built?
Wapato Lake Dam was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Wapato Lake Dam?
Wapato Lake Dam 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 Wapato Lake Dam last inspected?
Wapato Lake Dam was last inspected on May 1, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.