Bernsens 810 Reservoir Dam No 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Bernsens 810 Reservoir Dam No 3, located in Mesa, Washington, is a state-regulated earthen dam completed in 1979 for the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Standing at a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 10 feet, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 165 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 8.5 acres and has a drainage area of 0.03 square miles, making it a crucial water resource for the surrounding agricultural community.

Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, Bernsens 810 Reservoir Dam No 3 has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Although the dam does not currently have an emergency action plan in place, it is regularly inspected by the state regulatory agency to ensure its safety and functionality. With its strategic location offstream and close proximity to the Walla Walla District, the dam plays a significant role in providing irrigation water to the region's farms and sustaining agricultural activities in Franklin County.

Overall, Bernsens 810 Reservoir Dam No 3 serves as a vital water management infrastructure in Washington, contributing to the state's agricultural productivity and supporting the local economy. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of dams like Bernsens 810 Reservoir Dam No 3 in sustaining water supply for irrigation purposes highlights the crucial role that such structures play in managing water resources effectively and efficiently.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

110

River Or Stream

Offstream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.5

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

0.03

Nid Storage

165

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.