Sawyer Lake Outlet Structure Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Sawyer Lake Outlet Structure, located in King County, Washington, is a privately owned gravity dam completed in 1952 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The structure is situated on Covington Creek and has a hydraulic height of 10 feet and a structural height of 4 feet, with a total length of 94 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 1116 acre-feet and a surface area of 697 acres, the dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the area.

Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, the Sawyer Lake Outlet Structure has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While the dam has not been inspected in recent years, it is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities and support the surrounding ecosystem.

Although the dam does not have an emergency action plan in place, it meets guidelines for risk management and has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor the condition of the Sawyer Lake Outlet Structure and advocate for proper maintenance and management to safeguard the community and environment from potential risks and hazards associated with the dam.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

94

River Or Stream

Covington Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

697

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

1116

Structural Height

4

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

10
       
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.