Colchuck Lake Saddle Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Colchuck Lake Saddle Dam, located in the picturesque setting of Leavenworth, Washington, serves as a vital water resource for irrigation and recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1930, this earth and rockfill dam stands at a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a structural height of 8 feet, with a length of 130 feet. It boasts a storage capacity of 1570 acre-feet, providing a serene 78-acre surface area for visitors to enjoy.

Managed by the Washington Dept of Ecology, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential and a condition assessment marked as "Not Rated", the dam has a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan and meets guidelines for risk management. The last inspection in August 2018 upheld its integrity, with a scheduled inspection frequency to maintain its operational efficiency.

Colchuck Lake Saddle Dam not only enhances the natural beauty of the surrounding area but also supports the local ecosystem and water supply. With a congressman representing Congressional District 08, Washington advocating for its upkeep, this dam stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

130

River Or Stream

Colchuck Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

78

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

1.41

Nid Storage

1570

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

9
       
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.