Priest Rapids
Priest Rapids is a gravity dam located in Grant County, Washington, built in 1961. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Priest Rapids
The primary purpose of Priest Rapids is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Grant County Pud (public utility). It impounds the Columbia River near Richland, Wa.
The dam stands 187 feet tall and stretches 10,103 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7,580 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 191,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 95,500 square miles. Completed in 1961, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/16/2025.
At 187 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Washington dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Washington |
| County | Grant |
| Nearest City | Richland, Wa |
| River/Stream | Columbia River |
| Coordinates | 46.64611, -119.90580 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 187 ft |
| Dam Height | 90 ft |
| Dam Length | 10,103 ft |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 191,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 191,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 191,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7,580 acres |
| Drainage Area | 95,500 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,334,992 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Grant County PUD |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/16/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WA00088 |
| Federal ID | WA00088 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |