The Spirit Lake Outlet Tunnel, located in Kid Valley, Washington, is a crucial federal infrastructure project designed and constructed by the USDA Forest Service and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1985, this tunnel plays a vital role in flood risk reduction along the South Coldwater Creek. With a dam height of 184 feet and a length of 1000 feet, the tunnel has a maximum storage capacity of 57,000 acre-feet, making it a key component in managing water resources in the region.
The primary purpose of the Spirit Lake Outlet Tunnel is flood risk reduction, and it features a controlled spillway with vertical lift outlet gates. Despite its high hazard potential, the tunnel's condition is currently rated as "Not Rated," and it is considered to have a very high risk level. While it lacks certain emergency preparedness measures like an Emergency Action Plan, the tunnel remains a critical piece of infrastructure in safeguarding communities and properties from potential flooding events. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Spirit Lake Outlet Tunnel presents a fascinating example of innovative engineering and collaboration in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the Pacific Northwest.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
184 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH COLDWATER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2200 |
Nid Storage |
57000 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
184 |
Cowlitz River Near Kosmos
|
6690cfs |
Muddy Creek Below Clear Creek Near Cougar
|
931cfs |
Lewis River Above Muddy River Near Cougar
|
1610cfs |
Cispus River Ab Yellowjacket Creek Near Randle
|
1200cfs |
Speelyai Creek Near Cougar
|
298cfs |
Cowlitz River At Randle
|
4350cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Dome Camp
|
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Margaret Camp
|
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Snow Camp
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Shovel Camp
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Panhandle Camp
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Obscurity Camp
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