Snoqualmie Falls Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Snoqualmie Falls, located in Fall City, Washington, is a captivating sight with its 19-foot concrete gravity dam built in 1898 by designer Charles H.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Baker. The dam serves primarily for hydroelectric purposes but also offers recreational opportunities in the area. The structure stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 253 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 566 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 10,000 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam at Snoqualmie Falls has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The surrounding area boasts a surface area of 102.6 acres and a drainage area of 400 square miles, making it a vital water resource in the region. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is not available, but it remains a crucial piece of infrastructure for water management and energy production in King County, Washington.

Visitors to Snoqualmie Falls can marvel at the beauty of the multi-arch dam and the powerful flow of the Snoqualmie River. With its historical significance and continued operation for over a century, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resources and climate management in the Pacific Northwest.

Year Completed

1898

Dam Length

253

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Snoqualmie River

Surface Area

102.6

Drainage Area

400

Nid Storage

566

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

19
       
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.