French Canyon Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
French Canyon is a captivating Earth dam located in Tieton, Washington, along the North Fork Cowiche River.
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Summary
Built in 1985 by CH2M Hill for the Bureau of Reclamation, this Federal-owned structure primarily serves the purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 1265 acre-feet. The dam stands at 74 feet high and spans a length of 1050 feet, making it a significant water resource for the region.
With a hazard potential rated as high and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, French Canyon Dam is a crucial piece of infrastructure that requires careful monitoring and management. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available, raising concerns about its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 130 feet, designed to handle a maximum discharge of 23,000 cubic feet per second, highlighting the importance of effective risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. French Canyon Dam is a testament to the intricate balance between water resource management and climate resilience in the Yakima County area.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
1050 |
Dam Height |
74 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH FORK COWICHE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21 |
Hydraulic Height |
68 |
Drainage Area |
16 |
Nid Storage |
1265 |
Structural Height |
74 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
74 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yakima River At Umtanum
|
16400cfs |
Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap
|
542cfs |
Yakima River Above Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap
|
29600cfs |
American River Near Nile
|
1530cfs |
Toppenish Creek Near Fort Simcoe
|
73cfs |
Klickitat River Above West Fork Near Glenwood
|
1670cfs |
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.
French Canyon