Meyers Falls dam
Meyers Falls
Meyers Falls is a private hydroelectric dam located on the Colville River in Stevens, Washington. Built in 1961 by Washington Water Power, this gravity dam stands at 21 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 25.5 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 32 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 5,450 cubic feet per second, Meyers Falls serves as a key source of hydroelectric power in the area.
Despite its low hazard potential, Meyers Falls poses a very high risk due to its outdated infrastructure and the lack of recent condition assessments. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 94 feet and is equipped with multiple outlet gates for water regulation. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2019, indicating that preparations for potential risks are in place. Meyers Falls not only serves as a vital hydroelectric resource but also offers recreational opportunities in the surrounding area.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Meyers Falls plays a crucial role in providing clean energy and maintaining water resources in the region. With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s, the dam continues to stand as a testament to the innovative engineering practices of its time. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the operations and risks associated with Meyers Falls sheds light on the importance of sustainable energy practices and proactive infrastructure management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Meyers Falls -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Colville River At Kettle Falls | 60 cfs | → |
| Kettle River Near Laurier | 890 cfs | → |
| Pend Oreille River Below Box Canyon Near Ione | 21,400 cfs | → |
| Columbia River At International Boundary | 102,000 cfs | → |
| Outlet Creek Near Metaline Falls | 19 cfs | → |
| Kettle River Near Ferry | 305 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Meyers Falls.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Meyers Falls
Where does the data for Meyers Falls come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.