Horse Spring Coulee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Horse Spring Coulee Dam, located in Riverside, Washington, was completed in 1924 with the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This state-regulated dam stands at a hydraulic height of 67 feet and a structural height of 67 feet, serving the Horse Springs Coulee. With a capacity of 7,000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.5 square miles, this earth dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region.

Owned and regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology, Horse Spring Coulee Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential water resources for the surrounding area. The dam's design features stone core components and a soil foundation, showcasing the engineering expertise of its time. With its historical significance and ongoing functionality, the Horse Spring Coulee Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water management in Okanogan County.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and agriculture, the Horse Spring Coulee Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices. With its location in Congressional District 04, Washington, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water security for the region. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, understanding the history and current status of dams like Horse Spring Coulee Dam is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

650

River Or Stream

Horse Springs Coulee

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

67

Drainage Area

2.5

Nid Storage

7000

Structural Height

67

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

67
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.