Fern Ridge Lake Near Elmira Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Fern Ridge Lake, located near Elmira, Oregon, was created in 1942 by the Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control measure.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The lake covers 9,000 acres and has a capacity of 52,000 acre-feet of water. The hydrology of the lake is influenced by the Long Tom River, which provides surface flow, and the Coast Range Mountains, which contribute to the snowpack. The lake is used for a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and camping, as well as irrigation for nearby agricultural land. The lake's ecosystem is also home to a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl and fish species such as bass and crappie.

Reservoir Details

Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft 24hr Change 0.08%
Percent of Normal 100%
Minimum 351.96 ft
2021-12-02
Maximum 374.43 ft
2023-12-04
Average 354 ft
Dam_Height 46
Hydraulic_Height 40
Drainage_Area 275
Year_Completed 1941
Nid_Storage 121000
Structural_Height 49
River_Or_Stream LONG TOM RIVER
Foundations Soil
Surface_Area 9360
Hazard_Potential High
Dam_Length 6610
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Nid_Height 49
       
Seasonal Comparison
Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft Levels

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.