Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3a, also known as Widco Pond No.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

3a, is a public utility-owned dam located in Lewis, Washington. Built in 1970 for the primary purpose of tailings storage, this earth dam stands at 18 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 12 feet. It has a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 60 acre-feet and a surface area of 30 acres, serving the Tr-Hanaford Creek drainage area.

Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, Centralia Coal Mine Dam No 3a is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, with its last inspection dating back to July 2001. While the dam's Emergency Action Plan status and risk assessment information are not provided, it is clear that the dam plays a crucial role in managing tailings in the area and protecting downstream communities from potential hazards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a critical infrastructure piece in the region's water management system.

Year Completed

1970

River Or Stream

Tr-Hanaford Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

79

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.