Metaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3 Dam
Metaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3
Metaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3, located in Metaline Falls, Washington, is a crucial water resource infrastructure owned by the local government and regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology. This offstream lagoon, completed in 1963, serves as a wastewater treatment facility with a primary purpose of handling wastewater from the surrounding area. With a hydraulic height of 10.5 feet and a capacity of 22 acre-feet, the lagoon plays a significant role in managing water quality in the Pend Oreille River watershed.
Despite its importance, Metaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3 is facing challenges. A recent inspection in 2019 rated its condition as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and upgrades. The lagoon's hazard potential is deemed significant, further emphasizing the urgency of addressing any structural issues to ensure its continued functionality. With a drainage area of 0.02 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 1 cubic foot per second, the lagoon's ability to effectively treat wastewater and protect water quality in the region is crucial for the community and environment.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and improvement of infrastructure like Metaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3 are essential for ensuring water quality and availability. Local and state agencies must prioritize the upkeep of such facilities to mitigate risks and safeguard the health of ecosystems and communities relying on these water resources. Collaborative efforts and investments in sustainable water management practices will be key in addressing the challenges posed by aging water infrastructure and a changing climate.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Metaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Outlet Creek Near Metaline Falls | 19 cfs | → |
| Pend Oreille River Below Box Canyon Near Ione | 22,800 cfs | → |
| Columbia River At International Boundary | 101,000 cfs | → |
| Priest R Outflow Nr Coolin | 216 cfs | → |
| Colville River At Kettle Falls | 63 cfs | → |
| Boundary Creek Nr Porthill Id | 40 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Metaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Metaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3
Where does the data for Metaline Falls Wastewater Lagoon No 3 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.