Louise Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Louise Lake Dam, located in Whatcom, Washington, was completed in 1972 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam, with a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 14 feet, is privately owned and regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology. It has a storage capacity of 1175 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1070 acre-feet and a surface area of 29 acres.

The dam poses a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition. Regular inspections are conducted, with the most recent one taking place in September 2017. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in October 2009. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet regulatory guidelines and is considered to be in good operational shape. With its location in a picturesque setting and its importance for irrigation and recreation, Louise Lake Dam remains a vital part of the water resource infrastructure in Washington.

In case of any emergencies, the dam has designated emergency contacts, although the specifics of the EAP and risk management measures are not detailed in the available data. The dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency but falls under state jurisdiction and regulation. Overall, Louise Lake Dam represents a significant piece of water resource infrastructure in Washington, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water management functions for the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1972

River Or Stream

Tr-Lake Whatcom

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.32

Nid Storage

1175

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.