Zosel Dam
Key Takeaway
Zosel Dam is classified as high hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 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 | 366 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 77.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 55.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,150 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,225 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
| NID ID | WA00556 |
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
WA ECY
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Zosel Dam?
Zosel 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 Zosel Dam?
Zosel Dam is owned by WA ECY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Zosel Dam built?
Zosel Dam was completed in 1986, making it 40 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 Zosel Dam?
Zosel 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 Zosel Dam last inspected?
Zosel Dam was last inspected on July 20, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.