Cle Elum Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Located in Kittitas, Washington, Cle Elum is a federal-owned dam managed by the Bureau of Reclamation for flood risk reduction, irrigation, and recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1932, this earth dam stands at 165 feet tall and spans 1801 feet across the Cle Elum River. With a storage capacity of 710,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 4812 acres, Cle Elum plays a vital role in water resource management in the region.

The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the Bureau of Reclamation remains responsible for operations, inspections, and regulatory matters. Cle Elum serves as a key infrastructure for managing flood risks in the area, ensuring the safety and stability of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

With its rich history dating back nearly a century, Cle Elum continues to be a significant feature in the water resource landscape of Washington state. As climate change impacts water availability and patterns, the role of dams like Cle Elum in regulating water flow and mitigating flood risks becomes increasingly crucial. As stewards of this vital infrastructure, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to safeguarding the community and environment from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

1801

Dam Height

124

River Or Stream

CLE ELUM RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4812

Hydraulic Height

124

Drainage Area

206

Nid Storage

710000

Structural Height

165

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

165
       
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.