San Refugio Ranch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

San Refugio Ranch Dam, located in Goldendale, Washington, was completed in 1977 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This private dam, owned by a private entity, stands at a height of 16 feet with a structural height of 14 feet and a length of 1650 feet. It has a capacity of 126 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 107 acre-feet, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Situated on Cozy Nook Creek-Offstream, this earth dam with a stone core utilizes rock and soil for its foundation. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Washington Department of Ecology. Despite not having a spillway type specified, the dam is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 35 cubic feet per second, ensuring the safety and reliability of the structure for irrigation purposes.

The San Refugio Ranch Dam reflects the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As a key component of the local irrigation system, this dam plays a vital role in supporting agricultural activities and water supply reliability in Klickitat County, Washington. With state-regulated inspections and enforcement in place, the dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to manage and safeguard water resources in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

1650

River Or Stream

Cozy Nook Creek-Offstream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

107

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

126

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.