Sherry Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: D1 Big Meadow Lake Dam Ione Mill Pond
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sherry Lake Dam, located in Stevens County, Washington, was completed in 1952 and serves as a vital resource for fish and wildlife conservation in the area.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The primary purpose of this earth dam is to create a fish and wildlife pond, while also offering recreational opportunities for visitors. Situated along the Little Pend Oreille River, the dam has a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 10 feet, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a drainage area of 15.3 square miles.
Managed by a private owner but regulated by the Washington Dept of Ecology, Sherry Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment as of the last inspection in 1998. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its intended purposes effectively, providing essential habitat for local wildlife and offering a serene setting for outdoor activities. With its roller-compacted concrete core and rock and soil foundations, Sherry Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and conservation efforts in the region.
Although the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, it remains a crucial structure for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting biodiversity in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources and habitats, the conservation of dams like Sherry Lake Dam becomes increasingly significant in preserving the delicate balance of the natural environment. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of structures like Sherry Lake Dam is essential in advocating for sustainable practices that prioritize the protection of our precious natural resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
82 |
River Or Stream |
Little Pend Oreille River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
15.3 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pend Oreille River Below Box Canyon Near Ione
|
21900cfs |
Outlet Creek Near Metaline Falls
|
19cfs |
Colville River At Kettle Falls
|
189cfs |
Columbia River At International Boundary
|
65900cfs |
Priest R Outflow Nr Coolin
|
926cfs |
Pend Oreille River At Newport Wa
|
24200cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Gillette Campground
|
||
Lake Gillette
|
||
Gillette Campground
|
||
Lake Thomas Campground
|
||
Lake Thomas
|
||
Lake Leo Campground
|
Sherry Lake Dam