West Pass Dike, located in Washington's Whatcom County, stands as a vital structure with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Skagit River Near Concrete
|
73200cfs |
Bacon Creek Below Oakes Creek Near Marblemount
|
1340cfs |
Skagit River At Marblemount
|
34400cfs |
Cascade River At Marblemount
|
2950cfs |
Sauk River Near Sauk
|
16100cfs |
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