Lookout Point Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Lookout Point Dam, located on the Middle Fork-Willamette River in Lane, Oregon, was completed in 1953 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood risk reduction and other purposes such as hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, navigation, and recreation.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 276 feet and a length of 3,175 feet, has a storage capacity of 477,700 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 991 square miles. Despite being well-built and maintained, a recent risk assessment identified a moderate risk associated with the dam due to the potential impact of extreme events like earthquakes or heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding downstream affecting urban and rural communities.

To reduce the risk to acceptable levels, the US Army Corps of Engineers has implemented interim risk reduction measures, such as reducing the maximum conservation pool of the reservoir and conducting a modification study to address potential vulnerabilities in the spillway gates. Routine inspections, instrumentation for monitoring dam performance, and post-earthquake procedures are in place to ensure the dam's safety. Additionally, the Emergency Action Plan for Lookout Point Dam has been updated based on the latest risk assessment results, and outreach efforts have been intensified to raise awareness among the local community about flood risks and emergency response procedures. The ongoing efforts aim to enhance the resilience of the dam and safeguard downstream populations in case of extreme events.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

3175

Dam Height

249

River Or Stream

MIDDLE FORK-WILLAMETTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4360

Hydraulic Height

242

Drainage Area

991

Nid Storage

477700

Structural Height

276

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

276
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.