Keechelus Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Located in Kittitas, Washington, Keechelus is a Federal-owned dam that plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the Yakima River.


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Summary

Built in 1917, this earth dam stands at an impressive 128 feet tall and spans a length of 6550 feet, with a storage capacity of 171,000 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, but it also supports irrigation and recreation in the area.

Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, Keechelus has undergone modifications in 2004 to strengthen its foundation and structure. With a high hazard potential, this dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and effectiveness in managing water resources. Despite its age, Keechelus continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for water management in the region, showing the resilience and innovation of early 20th-century engineering.

As a key component of the water infrastructure in Washington, Keechelus not only protects the surrounding area from flooding but also provides essential water resources for irrigation and recreation. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. Keechelus stands as a testament to the ingenuity of water resource engineers and the enduring impact of their work on the environment and communities they serve.

Years Modified

2004 - Foundation, 2004 - Structural

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

6550

Dam Height

71

River Or Stream

YAKIMA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2562

Hydraulic Height

68

Drainage Area

55

Nid Storage

171000

Structural Height

128

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

128
       
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.