Dry Falls, also known as Banks Lake South Dam or South Coulee Dam, is a federal-owned structure located in Grant County, Washington.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1949 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this earth dam stands at a height of 63 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and navigation. Situated on the Upper Grand Coulee River, Dry Falls has a storage capacity of 1,275,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 27,000 acres.
The dam, with a length of 9,800 feet, is designed with a multi-arch core and is supported by rock and soil foundations. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Dry Falls is currently not available, and the last inspection was conducted in June 2020. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in September 2020, ensuring that the necessary measures are in place to address any potential risks or emergencies associated with the structure.
Dry Falls plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, offering flood protection, irrigation water, and hydroelectric power while also providing recreational opportunities for visitors. As a key component of the Bureau of Reclamation's infrastructure, this dam remains an essential asset for the community and a symbol of sustainable water resource management in Washington state.
Year Completed |
1949 |
Dam Length |
9800 |
Dam Height |
63 |
River Or Stream |
UPPER GRAND COULEE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
27000 |
Hydraulic Height |
53 |
Drainage Area |
263 |
Nid Storage |
1275000 |
Structural Height |
123 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
123 |
Wilson Creek Below Corbett Draw Near Almira
|
0cfs |
Crab Creek At Irby
|
2cfs |
Crab Creek Near Moses Lake
|
25cfs |
Chelan River At Chelan
|
1170cfs |
Entiat River Near Entiat
|
1070cfs |
Methow River Near Pateros
|
3530cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Coulee City Community Park
|
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Ankeny No. 1 - WDFW
|
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Sun Lakes State Park Resort
|
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Blue Lake - WDFW
|
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Million Dollar North - WDFW
|
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Alkali Lake - WDFW
|