Sowers Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sowers Reservoir Dam, located in Valley, Washington, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1958, this earth-type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 18 feet and has a structural height of 15 feet. It impounds the waters of Tr-Sheep Creek, providing a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 7.4 acres.

Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition. Despite its age, Sowers Reservoir Dam continues to play a vital role in supporting agricultural activities in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 250 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures a reliable water supply for irrigation and recreational activities in the area.

Although the dam has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, its presence highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions. As a key component of the local water management system, Sowers Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to the crucial role of dams in supporting diverse water needs in Washington state.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

181

River Or Stream

Tr-Sheep Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.4

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

51

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.