Sherlock Gulch dam
Sherlock Gulch
Sherlock Gulch is a captivating water resource nestled in the heart of Lake, Oregon, owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This federal agency has overseen the construction, funding, design, and regulation of this gravity dam, which was completed in 1974 with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. The dam stands at a structural height of 19 feet, with a hydraulic height of 13 feet, and a length of 628 feet, providing a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 156 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, Sherlock Gulch remains an essential feature for the surrounding ecosystem, supporting a variety of wildlife and aquatic habitats. The dam has not been rated for its current condition, but it undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. While there are no outlet gates or associated structures, the dam serves as a critical resource for maintaining water levels and supporting biodiversity in the area. Located in the Portland District, Sherlock Gulch is a testament to the careful management and conservation efforts of the Bureau of Land Management in preserving water resources for future generations.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the significance of Sherlock Gulch as a vital component of the local ecosystem in Oregon. With its purpose as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, this gravity dam provides crucial water storage and habitat for various species. The dam's construction and management by the Bureau of Land Management exemplify responsible stewardship of natural resources, ensuring the sustainability and ecological balance of the surrounding environment. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain Sherlock Gulch, it stands as a symbol of the importance of water conservation and environmental protection in the face of changing climates and landscapes.
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 Sherlock Gulch -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Donner Und Blitzen River Nr Frenchglen Or | 100 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sherlock Gulch.
Track Sherlock Gulch 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 Sherlock Gulch
Where does the data for Sherlock Gulch 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 Sherlock Gulch.