Stemilt Saddle Dam dam
Stemilt Saddle Dam
Stemilt Saddle Dam, located in Malaga, Washington, is a vital structure for irrigation purposes in the region. Built in 1962, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a length of 210 feet, providing a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet to support agricultural activities. The dam, situated on Orr Creek-Offstream, is regulated and inspected by the Washington Department of Ecology, ensuring its safety and compliance with state standards.
With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment, Stemilt Saddle Dam remains a critical asset for water resource management in Chelan County. The dam's purpose is solely for irrigation, highlighting its essential role in sustaining agricultural operations in the area. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its function effectively, with regular inspections to monitor and maintain its structural integrity. As climate change impacts water resources, the Stemilt Saddle Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for agricultural activities in the region.
As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, understanding the significance of structures like Stemilt Saddle Dam is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices. By recognizing the role of dams in supporting irrigation needs and the importance of regulatory oversight, we can work towards preserving and enhancing water resources amidst changing climate conditions. Stemilt Saddle Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and agricultural sustainability in Washington's Chelan County.
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 Stemilt Saddle Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wenatchee River At Monitor | 1,190 cfs | → |
| Wenatchee River At Peshastin | 1,180 cfs | → |
| Entiat River Near Entiat | 219 cfs | → |
| Icicle Creek Above Snow Creek Near Leavenworth | 236 cfs | → |
| Mad River At Ardenvoir | 26 cfs | → |
| Yakima River At Umtanum | 3,660 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Stemilt Saddle Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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River runs
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About Stemilt Saddle Dam
Where does the data for Stemilt Saddle 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.