Curtis Dam dam
Curtis Dam
Curtis Dam, located in Amboy, Washington, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1978 with a primary purpose of recreation. Standing at a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 13.7 feet, the dam has a NID storage capacity of 24 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 24 acre-feet. The normal storage capacity is 19.7 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource in the area.
The dam is regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment in March 2018 deeming its condition as satisfactory. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is well-maintained and meets regulatory guidelines for emergency action preparedness. With a drainage area of 1.37 square miles and a maximum discharge of 32 cubic feet per second, Curtis Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Clark County, Washington.
Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Curtis Dam to be a fascinating structure that not only provides recreational opportunities but also serves as a vital component of the local water management system. With its impressive storage capacity and regulatory oversight, the dam represents a balance between human intervention and environmental stewardship in maintaining a sustainable water supply for the region. Its strategic location and design make it an essential asset for the community, highlighting the importance of responsible dam management in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Curtis Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Canyon Creek Near Amboy | 47 cfs | → |
| Speelyai Creek Near Cougar | 7 cfs | → |
| Lewis River At Ariel | 1,750 cfs | → |
| East Fork Lewis River Near Heisson | 83 cfs | → |
| Muddy Creek Below Clear Creek Near Cougar | 150 cfs | → |
| Lewis River Above Muddy River Near Cougar | 270 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Curtis Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Curtis Dam
Where does the data for Curtis Dam 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 High 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.