Dam Safety
The OWRB ensures the safety of more than 4,700 jurisdictional size dams in the state, providing design standards and technical assistance for dam construction, repair, and maintenance. Prior to the construction or modification of a dam, the plans and specifications must be reviewed and approved by the OWRB. Additionally, dam owners are required to perform regular inspections based on the presence of downstream development. The owners of a high hazard potential dams must also create and maintain an Emergency Action Plan, which outlines dam breach inundation zones, assigns critical roles, identifies potential emergency conditions, and specifies preplanned actions.
High Hazard Potential
Failure risk includes probable loss of human life.
Inspections are required annually by a registered professional engineer.
Significant Hazard Potential
Failure risk includes economic loss or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Inspections are required every 3 years by a registered professional engineer.
Low Hazard Potential
Failure risk includes low economic loss.
Inspections are required every five years.
