Mckay Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

McKay Dam, located in Douglas, Washington, along the Tr-Columbia River, was completed in 1961 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet, with a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 12 feet. It has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet, providing vital protection to the surrounding area against potential flooding events.

Managed by the Washington Dept of Ecology, McKay Dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and is currently not rated in terms of condition assessment. Despite not having a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the dam is regularly inspected, meeting state regulatory standards for maintenance and operation. With a drainage area of 0.78 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 39 cubic feet per second, McKay Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from the risks associated with high water levels.

Although McKay Dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its strategic location and design continue to contribute to effective flood control measures. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the importance of well-maintained infrastructure like McKay Dam becomes increasingly evident in protecting water resources and minimizing potential damages from flooding in the region.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

173

River Or Stream

Tr-Columbia River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.78

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.