Trout Lake Storage Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Woods Reservoir Dam Sams Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Trout Lake Storage Dam, located in San Juan, Washington, was completed in 1929 and serves as a crucial water supply source for the region.
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Summary
The dam, classified as an arch type with a hydraulic height of 37 feet, has a maximum storage capacity of 1540 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 1440 acre-feet. With a surface area of 63 acres and a drainage area of 1.4 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in providing water for both recreational activities and domestic use.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology, Trout Lake Storage Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition according to a 2019 inspection. The dam boasts a structural height of 35 feet and is situated on the Tr-False Bay stream. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet state regulations and undergo regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding community. Interestingly, Trout Lake Storage Dam does not have any associated structures and has not undergone any modifications in recent years.
In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans, although specific details on their preparation and guidelines adherence are not provided in the data. With Rick Larsen representing Congressional District 02, Washington, where the dam is located, Trout Lake Storage Dam remains a critical piece of infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find this dam to be an intriguing example of early 20th-century engineering still serving its intended purpose today.
Year Completed |
1929 |
River Or Stream |
Tr-False Bay |
Primary Dam Type |
Arch |
Surface Area |
63 |
Hydraulic Height |
37 |
Drainage Area |
1.4 |
Nid Storage |
1540 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nooksack River At Ferndale
|
8730cfs |
Dungeness River Near Sequim
|
708cfs |
Samish River Near Burlington
|
596cfs |
Skagit River Near Mount Vernon
|
63500cfs |
Olsen Creek Near Bellingham
|
1cfs |
Carpenter Creek At N Shore Drive Nr Bellingham
|
1cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Trout Lake Storage Dam
San Juan County