Binford Reservoir Dam Dam
Binford Reservoir Dam
Binford Reservoir Dam, located in La Center, Washington, serves as a vital irrigation source in the region, with a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.6 acres. Completed in 1953, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 21 feet, primarily designed to harness the waters of Tr-Brezee Creek for agricultural purposes. The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology, ensuring state oversight for inspection, enforcement, and permitting to maintain its structural integrity.
Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Binford Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management within Clark County. The dam's stone core and soil foundation contribute to its stability, while the surrounding area benefits from its controlled water release capabilities. The dam's location in Congressional District 03, represented by Jaime Herrera Beutler, highlights the importance of its maintenance and operation for both agricultural and environmental interests in the region.
As a key infrastructure for irrigation purposes, Binford Reservoir Dam underscores the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in Washington state. With a history of serving the local community for nearly seven decades, the dam's significance lies not only in its practical function but also in its potential role in adapting to changing climate conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and advocate for sustainable practices, Binford Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing dialogue surrounding water infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Binford Reservoir Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis River At Ariel | 1,750 cfs | → |
| East Fork Lewis River Near Heisson | 89 cfs | → |
| Canyon Creek Near Amboy | 46 cfs | → |
| Burnt Bridge Creek Near Mouth At Vancouver | 37 cfs | → |
| Speelyai Creek Near Cougar | 8 cfs | → |
| Columbia Slough At Portland | 886 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Binford Reservoir Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Binford Reservoir Dam
Where does the data for Binford Reservoir Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.