Mill Pond, located in Metaline Falls, Washington, is a gravity dam completed in 1922 for hydroelectric and recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at 65 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 57 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 1430 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 65 acres. The dam, situated on Sullivan Creek and the Pend Oreille River, has a maximum discharge of 4000 cubic feet per second and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 84 feet.
Owned and operated by a public utility, Mill Pond is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and falls under the jurisdiction of the Seattle District. With a hazard potential classified as high and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is subject to regular inspections by FERC to ensure its structural integrity. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Mill Pond is currently listed as "Not Available," highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mill Pond serves as a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering designed to harness the power of flowing water for renewable energy production. The dam not only provides electricity but also offers recreational opportunities for the local community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the role of dams like Mill Pond in managing water flow and storage becomes increasingly important for sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
130 |
Dam Height |
55 |
River Or Stream |
Sullivan Creek, Pend Oreille R |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
65 |
Hydraulic Height |
57 |
Drainage Area |
125 |
Nid Storage |
1430 |
Structural Height |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
65 |
Outlet Creek Near Metaline Falls
|
19cfs |
Pend Oreille River Below Box Canyon Near Ione
|
27700cfs |
Columbia River At International Boundary
|
85600cfs |
Priest R Outflow Nr Coolin
|
1350cfs |
Boundary Creek Nr Porthill Id
|
312cfs |
Kootenai River At Porthill Id
|
28500cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Mill Pond Campground
|
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Mill Pond
|
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Sullivan Lake
|
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West Sullivan Campground
|
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West Sullivan
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East Sullivan Campground
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