Black Rock Orchards Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Black Rock Orchards Dam, located in Moxee City, Washington, plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water for the surrounding area.
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Summary
Completed in 1985, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 39 feet and a structural height of 31 feet, with a length of 600 feet. Its primary purpose is irrigation, with a normal storage capacity of 392 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 515 acre-feet.
Despite its importance in supporting agriculture in the region, Black Rock Orchards Dam is facing challenges with a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in June 2015 revealed the need for improvements to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The dam is under the regulatory authority of the Washington Department of Ecology, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts monitoring Black Rock Orchards Dam should be aware of its significance in providing irrigation water for the Yakima River basin. With a risk assessment and management measures yet to be defined, there is a pressing need for stakeholders to address the dam's structural integrity and hazard potential to protect both the local agricultural community and downstream areas from potential risks associated with its condition.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
600 |
River Or Stream |
Tr-Yakima River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
392 |
Hydraulic Height |
39 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
515 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Granger Drain At Granger
|
13cfs |
Columbia River Below Priest Rapids Dam
|
124000cfs |
Yakima River Above Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap
|
14200cfs |
Ahtanum Creek At Union Gap
|
197cfs |
Yakima River At Mabton
|
28900cfs |
Crab Creek Near Beverly
|
158cfs |
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.
Jowers Irrigation Pond Dam Middle