Windspeed
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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 | 0.03% |
Percent of Normal | 100% |
Minimum |
678.19 ft
2011-03-10 |
Maximum |
727.73 ft
2020-07-02 |
Average | 699 ft |
Dam_Height | 312 |
Hydraulic_Height | 304 |
Drainage_Area | 215 |
Year_Completed | 1959 |
Nid_Storage | 274221 |
Structural_Height | 312 |
Primary_Dam_Type | Gravity |
River_Or_Stream | Baker River |
Foundations | Rock |
Surface_Area | 4980 |
Hazard_Potential | High |
Outlet_Gates | Tainter (radial) - 3 |
Dam_Length | 1200 |
Nid_Height | 312 |
Discharge | Stage | Elevation | |
NOOKSACK RIVER AT EVERSON
2025-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00 |
1190cfs | 72.39ft | 77ft |
RACEHORSE CREEK AT NORTH FORK ROAD NR KENDALL
2011-09-27T23:45:00.000-07:00 |
23cfs | 8.35ft | 426ft |
NOOKSACK RIVER AT NORTH CEDARVILLE
2025-02-10T00:30:00.000-08:00 |
1010cfs | 138.41ft | 146ft |
NF NOOKSACK RIVER BL CASCADE CREEK NR GLACIER
2025-02-10T00:15:00.000-08:00 |
239cfs | 1.66ft | 1298ft |
CLEARWATER CREEK NEAR WELCOME
2011-09-30T23:45:00.000-07:00 |
39cfs | 0.59ft | 1646ft |
SUMAS RIVER NEAR SUMAS
2013-09-30T23:45:00.000-07:00 |
64cfs | 7.87ft | 43ft |
ANDERSON CREEK AT SMITH ROAD NEAR GOSHEN
2025-02-09T01:30:00.000-08:00 |
6cfs | 7.02ft | 209ft |