Fern Creek dam
Fern Creek
Fern Creek is a private water resource in Polk County, Oregon, with a dam height of 21 feet and a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Managed and regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department, this earth dam was completed in 2019 and serves as a significant water source in the region. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, but its hazard potential is deemed as "significant" based on the data.
Owned by a private entity and designed by Stuntzner Engineering and Forestry, Fern Creek showcases a commitment to water resource management and climate resilience. With a normal storage capacity of 44.58 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.16 acres, this water resource plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. Regular inspections and state oversight ensure the dam's safety and functionality, highlighting its importance in sustainable water management practices in Oregon.
As a key feature in the Portland District, Fern Creek's water storage capabilities and regulated operation make it an essential asset in the region's water infrastructure. With a recent inspection in February 2020 and a hazard potential rating of "significant," this private dam reflects a proactive approach to water resource management and underscores the critical role such structures play in addressing climate-related challenges.
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 Fern Creek -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Luckiamute River Near Suver | 199 cfs | → |
| Willamette River At Salem | 10,600 cfs | → |
| Santiam River At Jefferson | 2,740 cfs | → |
| Willamette River At Albany | 7,140 cfs | → |
| North Santiam River Near Jefferson | 1,240 cfs | → |
| Willamette River At Corvallis | 6,660 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Fern Creek.
Boat launches
- Riverview Park
- Buena Vista County Park
- Riverfront Park
- Keizer Rapids
- Santiam Rest Area (Old Ramp)
- Cascades Gateway Park
Campgrounds
- Hiker/Biker Camp
- Beaver Island Group Camp
- Benton Oaks Rv
- Albany Koa
- Philomath Frolic And Rodeo Grounds
- Marys Peak
Paddle runs
Track Fern Creek 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 Fern Creek
Where does the data for Fern Creek 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 Significant 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 Fern Creek.