Silver Lake Dam, located in Castle Rock, Washington, serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction and recreational purposes along Outlet Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 1971, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 6 feet, with a normal storage capacity of 7500 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 11737 acre-feet. The dam's low hazard potential and not rated condition assessment highlight its importance in water resource management within the region.
Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, the dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite not having a designated spillway type, the dam's design and core type of stone foundations on rock and soil provide stability and reliability in flood control measures. With a surface area of 2300 acres and a drainage area of 39.3 square miles, Silver Lake Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels and mitigating flood risks for the surrounding community.
In addition to its functional aspects, Silver Lake Dam offers recreational opportunities for visitors, making it a multi-purpose structure that harmonizes flood control with leisure activities. While the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment details are currently not available, its presence underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. As a focal point in the picturesque landscape of Cowlitz County, Silver Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1971 |
River Or Stream |
Outlet Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2300 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
39.3 |
Nid Storage |
11737 |
Structural Height |
6 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
South Fork Toutle River At Toutle
|
868cfs |
Toutle River At Tower Road Near Silver Lake
|
12000cfs |
Cowlitz River At Castle Rock
|
39600cfs |
Nf Toutle River Below Srs Near Kid Valley
|
2820cfs |
Cowlitz River Below Mayfield Dam
|
23500cfs |
South Fork Chehalis River Near Wildwood
|
1190cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Seaquest State Park
|
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Yurt Village
|
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Seaquest State Park Campground
|
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Kid Valley Campground
|