Lacamas & Round Lakes Lower Dam, located in Camas, Washington, is a buttress dam constructed in 1936 primarily for water supply purposes. The dam stands at a hydraulic height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 6,800 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 6,100 acre-feet. Lacamas & Round Lakes Lower Dam plays a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding area and also offers recreational opportunities for the community.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology, the dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in April 2018. The structure spans Lacamas Creek and covers a drainage area of 64.7 square miles. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality, with the last inspection conducted in September 2017.
With its picturesque location and vital role in water supply management, Lacamas & Round Lakes Lower Dam serves as a significant landmark in the region. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding area while appreciating the engineering marvel that is the multi-arch buttress dam. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the preservation and maintenance of dams like Lacamas & Round Lakes Lower Dam are crucial in ensuring water security for both current and future generations.