Lower Turnbull Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Upper Turnbull Dam Long Lake East Dam
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Lower Turnbull Dam is a Federal-owned structure located in Spokane, Washington, serving as a crucial Fish and Wildlife Pond since its completion in 1960.
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Summary
The dam, primarily designed and maintained by the Fish and Wildlife Service, stands at a height of 8 feet with a length of 360 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1237 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 460 acre-feet. The dam's purpose is to support the aquatic habitat and wildlife in the area, with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2013.
Situated on an unnamed tributary and regulated by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Lower Turnbull Dam features a controlled spillway, outlet gates, and a soil foundation. The dam's drainage area covers 4.27 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 187 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a vital role in managing water resources and supporting biodiversity in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower Turnbull Dam is a fascinating example of a structure that harmoniously blends ecological conservation with water management practices.
With its very high risk assessment ranking and the absence of a Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, there is an opportunity for further risk management measures to be implemented to ensure the dam's continued safety and functionality. As Lower Turnbull Dam remains a key component in the local ecosystem and water infrastructure, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to preserve its valuable role in sustaining the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
unnamed tributary |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
177 |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Drainage Area |
4.27 |
Nid Storage |
1237 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
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