Power Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Power Lake Dam, also known as Calispell Dam, is a rockfill structure located in Cusick, Washington, on the North Fork Calispell Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1922 for hydroelectric purposes, this dam has a hydraulic height of 56 feet and a structural height of 56 feet, with a storage capacity of 1450 acre-feet. The dam is owned by a public utility and is regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement regulations.

With a hazard potential categorized as high, Power Lake Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2015. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2021, and while there are no inundation maps or risk assessments available, the dam is regularly inspected every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's location in Pend Oreille County, Washington, makes it a vital component of the region's water resource infrastructure, providing hydroelectric power and water storage for the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

150

River Or Stream

North Fork Calispell Creek

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

62

Hydraulic Height

56

Drainage Area

56.4

Nid Storage

1450

Structural Height

56

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

56
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.