Deschutes Dam, also known as Capitol Lake Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Olympia, Washington, along the Deschutes River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1951, the dam primarily serves the purpose of recreation, providing a storage capacity of 3700 acre-feet for activities such as boating and fishing. The dam is classified as an earth dam with a hydraulic height of 45 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, with a low hazard potential.
Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, Deschutes Dam has not undergone a condition assessment and is currently rated as "Not Rated." Despite its age, the dam remains in good standing with state regulators, with regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement procedures in place. However, there is limited information available on emergency action plans, risk assessments, and inundation maps for the dam, indicating a potential area for improvement in terms of safety protocols and preparedness.
In conclusion, Deschutes Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for recreational activities in Thurston County, Washington. While it serves its purpose effectively, there is room for enhancing emergency response measures and risk management strategies to ensure the safety and sustainability of this important water resource in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1951 |
River Or Stream |
Deschutes River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
270 |
Hydraulic Height |
45 |
Drainage Area |
185 |
Nid Storage |
4300 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
45 |
Deschutes River At E St Bridge At Tumwater
|
2870cfs |
Deschutes River Near Rainier
|
2180cfs |
Nisqually River At Mckenna
|
14300cfs |
Skookumchuck River Near Bucoda
|
5240cfs |
Skookumchuck River Bl Bldy Run Cr Nr Centralia
|
2300cfs |
Chehalis River Near Grand Mound
|
30100cfs |