Bellingham Airport Sw Detention Pond 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Bellingham Airport SW Detention Pond 3, located in Whatcom County, Washington, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area.
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Summary
Completed in 2011, this earth dam structure has a hydraulic height of 8 feet and provides a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet. Managed by the Washington Department of Ecology, this local government-owned facility is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood hazards.
With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2018, Bellingham Airport SW Detention Pond 3 is designed to handle emergency situations effectively. Despite not having an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, the dam structure meets state guidelines and undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its reliability. As part of the Congressional District 01 in Washington, this detention pond plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding events, under the representation of Congresswoman Suzan K. DelBene.
As a vital component of water resource management in the region, Bellingham Airport SW Detention Pond 3 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local and state agencies in safeguarding the environment and infrastructure from flood risks. With a focus on flood risk reduction as its primary purpose, this earth dam structure serves as a critical line of defense against potential inundation, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in climate resilience and water resource management.
Year Completed |
2011 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
44 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cedar Lake Camp
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Pine Lake Camp
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Larrabee State Park
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Bellingham Airport Sw Detention Pond 3
Galbriath Loop Bellingham