Yale Saddle Dam
Yale Saddle Dam is an earth dam located in Cowlitz County, Washington, built in 1953. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a unsatisfactory condition assessment.
About Yale Saddle Dam
The primary purpose of Yale Saddle Dam 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 Pacificorp (private). It impounds the Lewis River near Woodland, Wa.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 1,600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,783 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 402,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 592 square miles. Completed in 1953, 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 unsatisfactory, indicating serious safety deficiencies exist that require immediate attention or remedial action. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/16/2025.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
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 | Cowlitz |
| Nearest City | Woodland, Wa |
| River/Stream | Lewis River |
| Coordinates | 45.97000, -122.34030 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 402,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 402,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 402,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,783 acres |
| Drainage Area | 592 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | PacifiCorp |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Unsatisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/16/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WA00135 |
| Federal ID | WA00148S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |