Cascade Lake Dam dam
Cascade Lake Dam
Cascade Lake Dam, located in Rosario, Washington, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of water supply. Built in 1915, this Arch type dam stands at a hydraulic height of 21 feet, with a structural height of 17 feet. It holds a normal storage capacity of 1700 acre-feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 2670 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding area.
The dam also serves secondary purposes such as hydroelectric power generation and recreation, adding to its significance in the region. With a hazard potential classified as high, the dam's condition assessment is rated as fair. Regular inspections, last conducted in June 2018, ensure its safety and structural integrity. The Washington Department of Ecology oversees the regulatory aspects of the dam, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement, highlighting the importance of government oversight in water resource management.
With its location on Tr-Cascade Bay and its close proximity to the San Juan Islands, Cascade Lake Dam plays a crucial role in the water supply infrastructure of San Juan County. Its historical significance, combined with its multiple functions and regulatory oversight, make it a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate in the Pacific Northwest region.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Cascade Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nooksack River At Ferndale | 1,410 cfs | → |
| Olsen Creek Near Bellingham | 0 cfs | → |
| Carpenter Creek At N Shore Drive Nr Bellingham | 0 cfs | → |
| Samish River Near Burlington | 29 cfs | → |
| Fishtrap Creek At Front Street At Lynden | 14 cfs | → |
| Brannian Creek At S Bay Dr Nr Wickersham | 0 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Cascade Lake Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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River runs
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About Cascade Lake Dam
Where does the data for Cascade Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.