Mill Creek Storage Dam - Diversion Dam dam
Mill Creek Storage Dam - Diversion Dam
The Mill Creek Storage Dam - Diversion Dam, located in Walla Walla, Washington, was completed in 1942 by the US Army Corps of Engineers with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. This earth dam stands at a structural height of 14 feet and is primarily made of stone. While it currently does not store water, its uncontrolled spillway allows for water management during severe weather events or to relieve pressure on the dam to maintain structural integrity.
The dam has been assessed to have a significant hazard potential and moderate risk level. To manage dam-related flood risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements ongoing monitoring, prioritizes risk-reducing activities, and collaborates with local emergency managers to raise awareness and develop emergency response plans. Regular maintenance and repairs are conducted to ensure the dam's proper functioning. Despite the inherent risks associated with dams and potential for flooding, the USACE's risk management measures aim to mitigate these risks and ensure public safety.
In the event of a dam-related emergency, the US Army Corps of Engineers has an emergency action plan in place, regularly updated, to guide response efforts. The dam's risk management measures focus on proactive risk reduction, community engagement, and preparedness to address the potential impacts of severe weather events or dam failures. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of effective dam management and risk mitigation strategies is essential for ensuring the safety and resilience of our water infrastructure.
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.
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 Mill Creek Storage Dam - Diversion Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mill Creek At Walla Walla | 20 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek At Five Mile Rd Br Nr Walla Walla | 634 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek Near Walla Walla | 51 cfs | → |
| Walla Walla River Near Touchet | 210 cfs | → |
| Umatilla River Above Meacham Creek | 106 cfs | → |
| Meacham Creek At Gibbon | 17 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mill Creek Storage Dam - Diversion Dam.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Lewis And Clark Trail State Park
- Lewis And Clark Campground
- Indian Camp
- Squaw Spring
- Mottet Campground
- Mottet
Track Mill Creek Storage Dam - Diversion Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Mill Creek Storage Dam - Diversion Dam
Where does the data for Mill Creek Storage Dam - Diversion 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 Significant 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Mill Creek Storage Dam - Diversion Dam.