Horton Road Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Located in Ferndale, Washington, the Horton Road Detention Dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along an unnamed tributary to Silver Creek.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1994 |
River Or Stream |
Unnamed Trib to Silver Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
0.82 |
Nid Storage |
21 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cedar Lake Camp
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Pine Lake Camp
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Larrabee State Park
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Horton Road Detention Dam
East Wiser Lake Road 145, Lynden