Flood waters threaten century-old dam near Leavenworth

SPOKANE, Wash.  — Rising flood waters are threatening a nearly century-old dam near the town of Leavenworth, Washington, and downstream residents are being told to be prepared to evacuate.

The Eightmile Lake Dam was built in the 1920s out of earth, rock and mortar. It is located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of the Cascade Range.

Snowmelt from Canada in recent days has inundated waterways in eastern Washington, causing flooding in many areas.



High water is already causing some minor damage to the earthen portion of the dam.

About 50 homes are in jeopardy downstream of the dam.

Meanwhile, Gov. Jay Inslee this weekend proclaimed a state of emergency for multiple Eastern Washington counties impacted by flooding.

Currently, there is flooding in Ferry, Okanogan and Pend Oreille counties.