Upper Baker is a gravity dam located in Whatcom, Washington, along the Baker River.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Skagit River Near Concrete
|
75100cfs |
Bacon Creek Below Oakes Creek Near Marblemount
|
1750cfs |
Skagit River At Marblemount
|
25400cfs |
Cascade River At Marblemount
|
3850cfs |
Sauk River Near Sauk
|
29200cfs |
Clearwater Creek Near Welcome
|
39cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Anderson Point Campsites
|
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Horseshoe Cove
|
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Horseshoe Cove Campground
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Bayview Campground
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Maple Grove Campsites
|
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Boulder Creek Campground
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Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Nf/North Cascades Np Boundary To Baker Lake
Blum Creek To Baker Lake
Bell Creek To Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Nf Boundary
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Nf/North Cascades Np Boundary To Confluence With Blum Creek
Headwaters To Confluence With Bell Creek
Headwaters In Ne1/4 Of Sec 23, T37N, R7E To Confluence With Soufh Fork Nooksack River