The Dalles Lock And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Dalles Lock and Dam, also known as Lake Celilo, is a Federal-owned structure located on the Columbia River in Oregon.


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Summary

Completed in 1957, this gravity dam serves primarily for navigation purposes and also provides hydroelectric power, irrigation, and recreation opportunities. With a height of 116 feet and a length of 8735 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 330,000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2,290,000 cubic feet per second.

Despite being categorized as having a high hazard potential, the risk assessment conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in 2018 deemed the risk associated with the dam to be low. USACE regularly conducts inspections, monitors dam performance, and collaborates with local emergency managers to ensure the safety and reliability of the structure. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for The Dalles Lock and Dam outlines procedures to be followed during emergencies, with updates based on risk assessment results and inundation maps to further enhance risk management measures.

USACE remains confident in the integrity of its dams, emphasizing their role in reducing flood risks while acknowledging the potential for flooding during extreme weather events. By prioritizing investment in aging infrastructure and increasing community awareness of flood risks, USACE aims to ensure the continued benefits and safety of dams like The Dalles Lock and Dam for the region.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

8735

Dam Height

116

River Or Stream

COLUMBIA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

11200

Length Of Locks

675

Hydraulic Height

114

Drainage Area

237000

Nid Storage

330000

Structural Height

200

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

200
       
Seasonal Comparison

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.