Youngs Lake Cascades Dam

Tr-Cedar River· King, Washington· Built 1950· Earth·
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Youngs Lake Cascades Dam is classified as significant hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage35.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage33.8K acre-ft
Surface Area690 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)
NID IDWA00209

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 7, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

Seattle Public Utilities

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Youngs Lake Cascades Dam?

Youngs Lake Cascades Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Youngs Lake Cascades Dam?

Youngs Lake Cascades Dam is owned by Seattle Public Utilities (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Youngs Lake Cascades Dam built?

Youngs Lake Cascades Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 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 Youngs Lake Cascades Dam?

Youngs Lake Cascades Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Youngs Lake Cascades Dam last inspected?

Youngs Lake Cascades Dam was last inspected on November 7, 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.