Port Townsend Paper Asb Pond Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Located in Jefferson, Washington, the Port Townsend Paper Asb Pond is a privately owned offstream dam completed in 1978 with a primary purpose of "Other." Standing at a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, this earth dam with a stone core sits on a soil foundation.
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Summary
With a normal storage capacity of 550 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 615 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 31 acres and serves a drainage area of 0.05 square miles.
Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, this dam is state regulated, inspected, and enforced, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. The last inspection in 2016 deemed the dam's condition satisfactory with a significant hazard potential. Although the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, an emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in 2017. The dam's risk assessment, inundation maps, and risk management measures are yet to be fully documented.
Overall, the Port Townsend Paper Asb Pond serves as a crucial water resource in the region, contributing to water storage and management efforts. With its significant hazard potential, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize safety measures and regularly update the emergency action plan to mitigate risks associated with the dam's operation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring the condition and management of this dam provides valuable insights into sustainable water infrastructure practices in Washington state.
Year Completed |
1978 |
River Or Stream |
Offstream |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
31 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
615 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Fort Townsend State Park
Fort Worden State Park
Jefferson County Fairgrounds
Upper Forest - Fort Worden State Park
Beach - Fort Worden State Park
hiker/cyclists campsite
Port Townsend Paper Asb Pond
Kuhn Street 5799, Port Townsend