Mill Creek Dam Cosmopolis

Mill Creek Dam Cosmopolis is a gravity dam located in Grays Harbor County, Washington, built in 2019. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Mill Creek Dam Cosmopolis

The primary purpose of Mill Creek Dam Cosmopolis is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Cosmopolis City Public Works (local government). It impounds the Mill Creek near Cosmopolis.

The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 10 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 20 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 2019, the structure is relatively new.

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 10/05/2005. That was 20 years ago — unusually long for a high-hazard dam, which typically requires more frequent inspections.

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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateWashington
CountyGrays Harbor
Nearest CityCosmopolis
River/StreamMill Creek
Coordinates46.95047, -123.77138

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height20 ft
Dam Length200 ft
Year Completed2019 (7 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage20 acre-ft
Max Storage20 acre-ft
Normal Storage10 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFish and Wildlife Pond
OwnerCosmopolis City Public Works
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection10/05/2005
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDWA01730
Federal IDWA01730
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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