Berger Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Berger Dam, located in Tenino, Washington, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1970 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a hydraulic height of 11 feet and a length of 500 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 128 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 55 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Tr-Scatter Creek and is regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Berger Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for visitors in Thurston County. The dam's spillway type, width, and other details are not specified in the data, but its location, dimensions, and storage capacity make it a significant feature along Tr-Scatter Creek. With a drainage area of 0.83 square miles and a maximum discharge of 106 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Overall, Berger Dam serves as a valuable recreational and water management asset in Thurston County, Washington. While its condition may warrant ongoing monitoring and maintenance, the dam's role in providing outdoor activities and storing water for various purposes underscores its importance in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Berger Dam will play a critical role in managing and conserving water for future generations.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

500

River Or Stream

Tr-Scatter Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

0.83

Nid Storage

128

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.