John Day Lock And Dam

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John Day Lock and Dam, also known as Lake Umatilla, is a federal-owned structure located in Sherman, Oregon, along the Columbia River. Completed in 1968, this earth dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, navigation, and recreation. With a height of 118 feet and a length of 5900 feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 530,000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2,250,000 cubic feet per second.

Despite its high hazard potential, a 2017 risk assessment classified John Day Lock and Dam's risk as low, highlighting the US Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) commitment to maintaining and monitoring the structure. Regular inspections, monitoring instruments, and emergency action plans are in place to ensure the dam's safety and readiness in case of an emergency. USACE continues to work with local agencies to improve community awareness of flood risks and the importance of the dam in managing water resources and reducing flood risks in the region. Overall, John Day Lock and Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the face of potential flooding events.