Upper Baker Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Upper Baker is a gravity dam located in Whatcom, Washington, along the Baker River.


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Summary

Built in 1959, this hydroelectric facility has a structural height of 312 feet and a length of 1200 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 274,221 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife enhancement, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation.

Managed by a public utility, Upper Baker is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for regulation and inspections. With a Hazard Potential rating of High and a Risk Assessment of Very High, the dam's emergency action plan is crucial for mitigating potential risks and ensuring public safety. Despite its age, Upper Baker remains a vital water resource infrastructure in the region, supporting various ecological and economic activities along the Baker River.

The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 75 feet and Tainter radial gates for water release. Its strategic location and design make it a key component in managing water flow, storage, and discharge in the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of structures like Upper Baker in maintaining a sustainable and resilient water supply for the community becomes increasingly evident.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

312

River Or Stream

Baker River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

4980

Hydraulic Height

304

Drainage Area

215

Nid Storage

274221

Structural Height

312

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 3

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

312
       
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.