Fall Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Fall Creek Dam, also known as Fall Creek Lake, is a rockfill dam located in Eugene, Oregon, owned and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, the dam stands at 205 feet high and serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 125,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,860 acres. However, a routine risk assessment conducted in 2014 characterized the risk associated with the dam as high, particularly due to the potential impacts of extreme seismic events or flooding on the downstream population.

To address these risks, Fall Creek Dam will undergo an Issues Evaluation Study (IES) starting in 2021 to assess its performance during extreme seismic and flood events. This study will determine if short-term targeted measures or long-term modifications are necessary to reduce the risk. USACE regularly conducts inspections and monitors dam performance, with post-earthquake procedures in place to evaluate damages. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) outlines actions to be taken during an emergency, with ongoing outreach efforts to improve community awareness of flood risks and dam-related risks. Despite the risks, USACE is confident in the dam's construction and maintenance to significantly reduce flood risks in the region, although the potential for flooding downstream remains a concern during extreme rainfall and snowmelt events.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

5050

Dam Height

186

River Or Stream

FALL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

1860

Hydraulic Height

181

Drainage Area

184

Nid Storage

125000

Structural Height

205

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

205
       
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.