Vaagen Mitigation Control Structure Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Vaagen Mitigation Control Structure, located in Pend Oreille, Washington, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction measure along the Pend Oreille River-Offstream.


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Summary

Completed in 1990, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 4 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet to help manage water flow during flood events. With a low hazard potential, the structure has not been rated for condition assessment, but is regulated and inspected by the Washington Department of Ecology.

Despite its modest size and capacity, the Vaagen Mitigation Control Structure plays a significant role in managing flood risk in the region, with a maximum discharge capability of 65 cubic feet per second. Its location in Congressional District 05, Washington, falls under the oversight of Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers. While the structure has not been assessed for emergency action preparedness or risk management measures, its presence underscores the importance of local initiatives in safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

9

River Or Stream

Pend Oreille River-Offstream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

4

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.