Ely Pump Storage Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Benton, Washington, the Ely Pump Storage Dam is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1965 for the primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Situated on the Columbia River-Offstream, this dam has a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 5 feet, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 4.2 acres and has a drainage area of 0.01 square miles, making it a significant asset for water management in the region.
Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, the Ely Pump Storage Dam is regulated and inspected by the state authorities, ensuring its safety and compliance with relevant guidelines. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated", the dam plays a crucial role in supporting irrigation activities in the area. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, indicating a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness.
Overall, the Ely Pump Storage Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Washington, providing irrigation support and water storage capabilities. With its moderate storage capacity and low hazard potential, the dam remains a key asset in the region's water infrastructure network. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and enhancing such dams for sustainable water management becomes increasingly apparent.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1800 |
River Or Stream |
Columbia River-Offstream |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.01 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Structural Height |
5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Umatilla River Near Umatilla
|
713cfs |
Walla Walla River Near Touchet
|
1330cfs |
Umatilla R At W Reservation Bndy Nr Pendleton
|
573cfs |
Yakima River At Kiona
|
27000cfs |
Mill Creek At Walla Walla
|
304cfs |
Meacham Creek At Gibbon
|
444cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Ely Pump Storage Dam