Happy Valley Stormwater Detention Basin
Happy Valley Stormwater Detention Basin is an earth dam located in Whatcom County, Washington, built in 1981. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Happy Valley Stormwater Detention Basin
The primary purpose of Happy Valley Stormwater Detention Basin is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Bellingham City Public Works Dept (local government). It impounds the Tr-padden Creek near Within Bellingham City Limits.
The dam stands 14 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 0 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 27 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1981, the structure is 45 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/11/2018. That was 7 years ago, which is on the longer end for a high-hazard structure.
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 | Whatcom |
| Nearest City | Within Bellingham City Limits |
| River/Stream | Tr-padden Creek |
| Coordinates | 48.72124, -122.47783 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 27 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 27 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,500 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Bellingham City Public Works Dept |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/11/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WA01347 |
| Federal ID | WA01347 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |