West Pass Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

West Pass Dike, located in Washington's Whatcom County, stands as a vital structure with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

Built in 1959 by Stone & Webster, this Earth-type dam stretches 1200 feet in length and reaches a height of 115 feet, creating a significant storage capacity of 274,221 acre-feet in the Baker River watershed. With a hydraulic height of 94 feet and a structural height of 104 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and supporting various purposes such as fish and wildlife conservation, recreation, and power generation.

Owned by a public utility, West Pass Dike is managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Available." While it lacks a spillway, the dam's risk assessment remains high, emphasizing the importance of effective risk management measures to mitigate potential emergencies and safeguard surrounding communities and ecosystems. The dam's location in the beautiful landscape of Concrete, Washington, highlights the delicate balance between harnessing water resources for energy while protecting the environment and public safety.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

115

River Or Stream

Baker River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4980

Hydraulic Height

94

Drainage Area

215

Nid Storage

274221

Structural Height

104

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

115
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.