Watson Reservoir dam
Watson Reservoir
Watson Reservoir, also known as Merwin Reservoir #3, is a privately-owned water resource located in Crook County, Oregon. Built in 1970 for irrigation purposes, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 2102 acre-feet. With a surface area of 103.6 acres and a drainage area of 22.4 square miles, Watson Reservoir plays a crucial role in water management for the region.
Situated along Watson Creek in the city of Post, this reservoir is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement measures. Despite its low hazard potential, Watson Reservoir ensures water security for agricultural activities in the area. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and has a normal storage capacity of 2102 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge rate of 1250 cubic feet per second, the reservoir serves as a vital water source for the surrounding community.
In the event of any emergencies, Watson Reservoir has protocols in place for risk management and emergency action planning. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the reservoir remains a vital component of the local water infrastructure. With its strategic location and reliable water storage capacity, Watson Reservoir is an essential resource for maintaining sustainable water supply and irrigation practices in Crook County, Oregon.
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 Watson Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge Cr Abv Coyote Canyon Nr Mitchell | 2 cfs | → |
| John Day River At Service Creek | 757 cfs | → |
| Pine Creek Near Clarno | 8 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Watson Reservoir.
Boat launches
- Antelope Flat Reservoir
- Walton Lake
- Prineville Reservoir Resort
- Jasper Point
- Delintment Lake
- Roberts Bay East
Campgrounds
- Biggs Springs Campground
- Elkhorn Campground
- Wiley Flat
- Wiley Flat Campground
- Big Spring
- Cold Springs Guard Station
More reservoirs
Track Watson Reservoir 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 Watson Reservoir
Where does the data for Watson Reservoir 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 Watson Reservoir.