Wenas Dam, located in Selah, Washington, along Wenas Creek, is a rockfill dam primarily used for recreation and irrigation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
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.
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
|
6380cfs |
Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap
|
197cfs |
Yakima River Above Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap
|
14200cfs |
American River Near Nile
|
809cfs |
Toppenish Creek Near Fort Simcoe
|
57cfs |
Crab Creek Near Beverly
|
158cfs |
| 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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