Lawrence Orchards Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Lawrence Orchards Dam, located in Grant County, Washington, was completed in 1995 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam, designed by Hilmes Construction Inc., is an earth dam with a core made of rockfill and foundations consisting of rock and soil. With a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 13 feet, the dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 31 acre-feet and a normal storage of 27 acre-feet.

The dam, situated offstream, has a surface area of 2.8 acres and a length of 1730 feet. Despite being in fair condition as of the last assessment in May 2019, it is classified with a high hazard potential. The Washington Department of Ecology is the state regulatory agency overseeing this dam, ensuring its proper inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency, highlighting its private ownership and management.

With a notable congressman like Dan Newhouse (R) representing the Congressional District 04 where the dam is located, Lawrence Orchards Dam plays a crucial role in supporting the agricultural community in the region by providing essential irrigation water. As an important water resource infrastructure in the area, it stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between water management for human activities and the need to safeguard against potential hazards and risks associated with dam structures.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

1730

River Or Stream

Offstream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

31

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.