Friesland Dairy Lagoons Reservoir Report

Last Updated: March 3, 2026

The Friesland Dairy Lagoons in Yakima, Washington, are privately owned and regulated by the Washington Department of Ecology.


Summary

These lagoons, completed in 2013, have a hydraulic height of 5.5 feet and a storage capacity of 10 acre-feet. The primary purpose of these earth dams is for other uses, and they serve as an essential water resource management system in the region.

Despite being privately owned, the Friesland Dairy Lagoons are subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure their safety and environmental compliance. The dams have a high hazard potential, but their condition is assessed as fair. The last inspection in 2018 deemed them to be in satisfactory condition, with a regular inspection frequency of every five years.

Located in Congressional District 04, Washington, the Friesland Dairy Lagoons play a crucial role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the region. With their strategic design and state oversight, these lagoons serve as a model for effective water resource management and environmental protection in the dairy industry.



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°F

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Wind

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Humidity


15-Day Weather Outlook


Year Completed

2013

Dam Length

1150

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

5.5

Nid Storage

10

Structural Height

5.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

6
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.