Seatac Airport Se Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Seatac Airport Se Pond, located in Des Moines, King County, Washington, is a crucial infrastructure designed by RW Beck for flood risk reduction along the offstream Des Moines Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 2007, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 9 feet and serves as a vital component of the state's flood risk mitigation strategy. With a storage capacity of 14 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.29 square miles, this dam plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events.

Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, Seatac Airport Se Pond is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has been assessed as satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential in case of failure. Despite its modest size, this dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in the region's water resource management system. With a focus on flood risk reduction, Seatac Airport Se Pond stands as a testament to the state's commitment to safeguarding its communities from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change.

As a local government-owned and regulated structure, Seatac Airport Se Pond represents a collaborative effort between various stakeholders to address flood risk in the area effectively. With a design focused on functionality and safety, this earth dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and resilience of the surrounding communities. With regular inspections and maintenance, this dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, highlighting the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

2007

Dam Length

490

River Or Stream

Offstream - Des Moines Ck

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

0.29

Nid Storage

14

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

9
       
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.