Surge Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Surge Pond Dam, located in Centralia, Washington, serves as a crucial water supply structure for the region.


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Summary

Built in 1971, this Earth dam with a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a storage capacity of 174 acre-feet is essential for maintaining water levels in the area. Situated on Hanaford Creek, the dam is state-regulated by the Washington Dept of Ecology, ensuring its compliance with safety and environmental standards.

With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, Surge Pond Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in Lewis County, Washington. The dam's primary purpose is water supply, and it provides a normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet for the surrounding area. While the dam has not been inspected since September 2011, it remains under state jurisdiction, with regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.

Surge Pond Dam's location within a congressional district in Washington highlights its significance in the region's water infrastructure. With a surface area of 33 acres and a drainage area of 15 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts. As a public utility structure, it exemplifies the collaboration between various agencies to maintain a sustainable water supply for the community.

Year Completed

1971

River Or Stream

Hanaford Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

15

Nid Storage

174

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.