Tapps Lake Dike No 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Tapps Lake Dike No 3 is a vital structure located in Pierce County, Washington, designed to divert water from the White River.


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Summary

Completed in 1911, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 15 feet and a length of 600 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 28,000 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 2,570 acres and draining a 9.7 square mile watershed.

Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, Tapps Lake Dike No 3 is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is equipped to handle emergencies, although specifics on emergency action plans and risk management measures are not provided in the data. The surrounding area of Auburn, Washington benefits from the lake's recreational opportunities, making it a valuable asset for both water resource management and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Diversion from White River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2570

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

9.7

Nid Storage

28000

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.