Lower Valley

An Associated Press investigation has found 50 dams in Washington state that are classified as high-hazard and in poor or unsatisfactory condition. Dams are categorized by the hazard they pose were they to fail. A high-hazard dam is likely to result in the loss of at least one human life if it were to fail. Dams also are assessed by their conditions — ranging from satisfactory to fair to poor to unsatisfactory. A dam in unsatisfactory condition has safety deficiencies requiring immediate action. A dam in poor condition typically has safety deficiencies that may realistically occur, meaning repairs are necessary. Of Washington’s 50 high-hazard dams listed in poor condition, the most are in Yakima County with seven.