Wenas Dam, located in Selah, Washington, along Wenas Creek, is a rockfill dam primarily used for recreation and irrigation purposes.
Built in 1911 by Gray and Osborne, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 90 feet and a structural height of 86 feet. With a storage capacity of 5,500 acre-feet and a normal storage of 3,200 acre-feet, Wenas Dam covers a surface area of 142 acres and serves a drainage area of 114 square miles.
The dam, managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, has a high hazard potential but is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in February 2018. Despite its age, Wenas Dam has been regularly inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 29,000 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.
With its picturesque location and vital role in water management, Wenas Dam stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early 20th-century engineering. As a popular spot for recreational activities, the dam continues to attract water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate its historical significance and environmental impact on the Yakima region.
Wind
Humidity
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
525 |
River Or Stream |
Wenas Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
142 |
Hydraulic Height |
90 |
Drainage Area |
114 |
Nid Storage |
5500 |
Structural Height |
86 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
90 |
Yakima River At Umtanum
|
1300cfs |
Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap
|
70cfs |
Yakima River Above Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap
|
2000cfs |
American River Near Nile
|
129cfs |
Toppenish Creek Near Fort Simcoe
|
111cfs |
Crab Creek Near Beverly
|
138cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Umtanum Campsite 5
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Umtanum Campsite 6
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Umtanum Campsite 4
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Umtanum Campsite 1
|
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Umtanum Campsite 3
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Umtanum Campsite 2
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