Newcastle Railroad Embankment Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Newcastle Railroad Embankment Dam, located in Newcastle, Washington, was completed in 1900 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Tr - May Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam with a stone core stands at a hydraulic height of 55 feet and a structural height of 50 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 1 acre and has a drainage area of 0.23 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1530 cubic feet per second.

Despite its critical role in flood risk management, the Newcastle Railroad Embankment Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The last inspection conducted in August 2018 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, prompting concerns about its ability to withstand potential flooding events. With the dam falling under state jurisdiction and regulation by the Washington Department of Ecology, there is a pressing need for maintenance and potential repair work to ensure the dam's continued effectiveness in protecting the surrounding area from flooding.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

150

River Or Stream

Tr - May Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

55

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

50

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

55
       
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.