Tapps Lake Dike No 9 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Tapps Lake Dike No 9, located in Auburn, Washington, serves as a vital structure for diverting water from the White River.
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Summary
Built in 1911, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 15 feet and spans 250 feet in length. The primary purpose of the dike is for recreation, with a normal storage capacity of 24,000 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 26,000 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 2,570 acres and drains an area of 9.7 square miles.
Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, Tapps Lake Dike No 9 is regulated and inspected by the state to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 deemed it satisfactory. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in 2020, highlighting the importance of preparedness and risk management measures in the event of a potential breach. Despite the risks associated with its high hazard potential, Tapps Lake Dike No 9 continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and recreational activities in the region.
In Congressional District 08, Washington, Tapps Lake Dike No 9 stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity of its time. With no federal ownership or funding, the dam's maintenance and operations fall under the purview of the state. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Tapps Lake Dike No 9 serve as essential components in ensuring water supply reliability and flood control measures in the region.
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
250 |
River Or Stream |
Diversion from White River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2570 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
9.7 |
Nid Storage |
26000 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lake Tapps Diversion At Dieringer
|
1200cfs |
Big Soos Creek Above Hatchery Near Auburn
|
424cfs |
Puyallup River At Alderton
|
4600cfs |
Newaukum Creek Near Black Diamond
|
47cfs |
Green River Near Auburn
|
10100cfs |
South Prairie Creek At South Prairie
|
686cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Tapps Lake Dike No 9
Lake Tapps Near Sumner
Allan Yorke Park