Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 5c Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 5c, also known as Widco Pond No.


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Summary

4, is a public utility structure located in Centralia, Washington. This Earth-type dam, primarily used for tailings storage, stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 18 feet. Completed in 1970, the dam has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 12 acres, with a drainage area of 0.1 square miles.

Managed by the Washington Dept of Ecology, Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 5c is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. An emergency action plan was last revised in July 2021, and the dam has not been assigned a risk assessment or management plan. With a history dating back over 50 years, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and maintaining environmental stability in the region.

Situated near Tr-Packwood Creek in Lewis County, Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 5c falls under Congressional District 03, Washington, represented by Jaime Herrera Beutler. With its vital function in tailings management and water storage, this dam serves as a significant infrastructure asset in the state's efforts to mitigate climate change impacts and ensure sustainable water resource management for future generations.

Year Completed

1970

River Or Stream

Tr-Packwood Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.