Oxford dam
Oxford
Located in Franklin, Idaho, the Oxford dam stands as a vital water resource structure with a capacity for storing 315 acre-feet of water. Constructed in 1920, this earth-type dam with stone core rests on rock and soil foundations, spanning 1000 feet in length and reaching a height of 20.7 feet. Serving multiple purposes beyond its primary one, Oxford plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage in the region, while also contributing to flood control efforts.
Managed by a private entity, the dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the condition assessment in 2017 reported Oxford to be in fair condition. The spillway, with a width of 10 feet, is uncontrolled, and the risk assessment for the dam is moderate. With a drainage area of 0.9 square miles and located near Wickiup Creek and Bear Creek, Oxford remains a key component of the local water infrastructure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the impact of dams on the environment, Oxford stands out as a significant structure in the region. With its historical significance and ongoing role in water management, the dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between harnessing water resources for human needs and safeguarding the environment for future generations. As efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects intensify, understanding the role of structures like Oxford becomes increasingly crucial in sustainable water resource management.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Oxford -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bear River At Idaho-Utah State Line | 631 cfs | → |
| Portneuf River At Topaz Id | 196 cfs | → |
| Marsh Creek Nr Mccammon Id | 21 cfs | → |
| Bear River At Pescadero | 502 cfs | → |
| Logan River Above State Dam | 405 cfs | → |
| Logan | 68 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Oxford.
Campgrounds
- Heart Mountain Spring
- Heart Mountain Springs Recreation Site
- Downata Hot Springs
- Third Creek Group Campground
- Redpoint Recreation Site
- Redpoint
Track Oxford in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Oxford
Where does the data for Oxford come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Oxford.