Wenas Dam
Key Takeaway
Wenas Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1911 and is 115 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 Length | 525 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 5.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 142 acres |
| Drainage Area | 114 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 29,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00002 |
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
Wenas Irrigation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wenas Dam?
Wenas 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 Wenas Dam?
Wenas Dam is owned by Wenas Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wenas Dam built?
Wenas Dam 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 Wenas Dam?
Wenas Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Wenas Dam last inspected?
Wenas Dam was last inspected on October 21, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.