Upper Blackhorse Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Upper Blackhorse Dam, located in Spokane, Washington, stands as a testament to the commitment of the US Fish and Wildlife Service to conservation efforts.
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Summary
Built in 1960, this earth dam serves as a vital component of the Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing a storage capacity of 215 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 20 acre-feet. With a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a structural height of 10 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for Rock Creek while also offering recreational opportunities for visitors.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Upper Blackhorse Dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features other controlled outlet gates and a spillway width of 177 feet to manage potential discharge events effectively. Its location within the Spokane County area adds to its significance in preserving the local ecosystem and providing essential water resources for wildlife habitat.
As a key infrastructure project managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Blackhorse Dam represents a harmonious blend of environmental stewardship and water resource management. Its presence not only safeguards the surrounding landscape but also supports the broader conservation goals of the agency. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a symbol of the efforts to balance the needs of wildlife conservation with sustainable water management practices in the Pacific Northwest region.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
Rock Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
6.56 |
Nid Storage |
215 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Upper Blackhorse Dam