Buck Mountain Reservoir Dam No 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Buck Mountain Reservoir Dam No 3, located in East Sound, Washington, serves as a vital water supply source in San Juan County.
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Summary
Completed in 1985, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 18 feet and has a structural height of 13 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 121 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 156 acre-feet, the reservoir covers a surface area of 10.5 acres and drains a 0.57 square mile area.
Owned and regulated by a private entity, this dam is under the jurisdiction of the Washington Department of Ecology and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition. With a high hazard potential, the dam has an inspection frequency of 5 years and a last assessment conducted in June 2019. Despite meeting regulatory guidelines, Buck Mountain Reservoir Dam No 3 remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 365 cubic feet per second.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Buck Mountain Reservoir Dam No 3 presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure management. With its location in a picturesque setting and its importance in providing essential water supply services, this earth dam stands as a testament to the delicate balance between human development and environmental conservation in the Pacific Northwest. As discussions around climate resilience and water security continue to gain prominence, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Buck Mountain Reservoir Dam No 3 are crucial for ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
215 |
River Or Stream |
Tr-East Sound |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
0.57 |
Nid Storage |
156 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Moran State Park Campground
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Snoring Bay Camp
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Fox Cove Camp
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Shallow Bay South
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Echo Bay East Camp
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Echo Bay North Camp
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Buck Mountain Reservoir Dam No 3
Cayou Quay Marina