Dawn Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Dawn Lake Dam, located in Port Angeles, Washington, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1950, this earth dam with stone core stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet. Situated on Tr-Ennis Creek, the dam covers a surface area of 8 acres and has a drainage area of 0.43 square miles.

Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, Dawn Lake Dam has a history of satisfactory condition assessments despite its high hazard potential. The dam has a regular inspection frequency of 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in September 2016. With a maximum discharge capacity of 17 cubic feet per second, the structure is equipped to handle potential flood events in the area.

Derek Kilmer, the Congressional Representative for the 6th District of Washington, oversees the regulatory aspects of Dawn Lake Dam. While the dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years, its emergency action plan was last revised in December 2020. Despite its private ownership, the dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for the community while also ensuring the safety and protection of the surrounding area from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1950

River Or Stream

Tr-Ennis Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.43

Nid Storage

69

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.