Located in Ferndale, Washington, the Horton Road Detention Dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along an unnamed tributary to Silver Creek. Completed in 1994, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 13 feet, providing a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet to mitigate potential flooding in the area. The dam is owned and regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the Horton Road Detention Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from the impacts of extreme weather events. Managed by local government authorities, the dam undergoes regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place, although its last revision was in 2018, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures and preparedness efforts to safeguard the area against potential inundation risks.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Horton Road Detention Dam stands as a testament to proactive flood risk reduction efforts in Washington state. With a design focused on mitigating potential flooding events, this structure showcases the importance of effective dam management and maintenance to protect communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resource management, the Horton Road Detention Dam serves as a reminder of the crucial role that infrastructure plays in building resilience to the changing climate.