Whatcom Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Whatcom Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 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 Length | 109 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 70.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 56 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00158 |
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
Bellingham City Public Works Dept
Local Government
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whatcom Lake Dam?
Whatcom 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 Whatcom Lake Dam?
Whatcom Lake Dam is owned by Bellingham City Public Works Dept (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whatcom Lake Dam built?
Whatcom Lake Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Whatcom Lake Dam?
Whatcom Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Whatcom Lake Dam last inspected?
Whatcom Lake Dam was last inspected on November 7, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.