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Upper Baker is a gravity dam located in Whatcom, Washington, along the Baker River. Built in 1959, this hydroelectric facility has a structural height of 312 feet and a length of 1200 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 274,221 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife enhancement, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation.
Managed by a public utility, Upper Baker is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for regulation and inspections. With a Hazard Potential rating of High and a Risk Assessment of Very High, the dam's emergency action plan is crucial for mitigating potential risks and ensuring public safety. Despite its age, Upper Baker remains a vital water resource infrastructure in the region, supporting various ecological and economic activities along the Baker River.
The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 75 feet and Tainter radial gates for water release. Its strategic location and design make it a key component in managing water flow, storage, and discharge in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of structures like Upper Baker in maintaining a sustainable and resilient water supply for the community becomes increasingly evident.
Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Navd 1988, Ft 24hr Change | -0.15% |
Percent of Normal | 100% |
Minimum |
678.19 ft
2011-03-10 |
Maximum |
727.73 ft
2020-07-02 |
Average | 701 ft |
Dam_Height | 312 |
Hydraulic_Height | 304 |
Drainage_Area | 215 |
Year_Completed | 1959 |
Nid_Storage | 274221 |
Structural_Height | 312 |
Primary_Dam_Type | Gravity |
Foundations | Rock |
Surface_Area | 4980 |
Outlet_Gates | Tainter (radial) - 3 |
River_Or_Stream | Baker River |
Dam_Length | 1200 |
Hazard_Potential | High |
Nid_Height | 312 |
Discharge | Stage | Elevation | |
SKYKOMISH RIVER NEAR GOLD BAR
2024-12-19T01:30:00.000-08:00 |
12500cfs | 10.37ft | 221ft |
PILCHUCK RIVER NEAR SNOHOMISH
2024-12-19T01:45:00.000-08:00 |
1610cfs | 12.84ft | 60ft |
SNOHOMISH RIVER NEAR MONROE
2024-12-19T01:15:00.000-08:00 |
29600cfs | 8.89ft | 25ft |
SOUTH FORK SULTAN RIVER NEAR SULTAN
2024-12-19T00:00:00.000-08:00 |
331cfs | 10.13ft | 1521ft |
SULTAN RIVER BELOW POWERPLANT NEAR SULTAN
2024-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00 |
1010cfs | 6.47ft | 294ft |
SULTAN RIVER BELOW DIVERSION DAM NEAR SULTAN
2024-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00 |
135cfs | 25.98ft | 653ft |
MISSION CREEK NEAR TULALIP
2024-12-19T01:15:00.000-08:00 |
28cfs | 56.77ft | 53ft |