Hills Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 23, 2025
Hills Creek Dam, also known as Hills Creek Lake, is a federal dam located in Oakridge, Oregon, on the Middle Fork Willamette River.
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Summary
Completed in 1962, the dam stands at a height of 341 feet and has a storage capacity of 356,000 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, with additional functions including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, navigation, and recreation.
Despite being well-built and maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Hills Creek Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location upstream of densely populated areas. An Issue Evaluation Study conducted in 2019 identified the risk associated with the dam as high, particularly in the event of an extreme earthquake causing the dam to settle and potentially overtop. To reduce risk to acceptable levels, interim risk reduction measures have been implemented, including lowering the maximum conservation pool of the reservoir and ongoing evaluation of the dam's seismic performance.
USACE continues to monitor and evaluate the dam's safety, conduct routine inspections, and update the Emergency Action Plan to ensure preparedness in case of an emergency. Community outreach efforts are also being increased to raise awareness of flood risks associated with the dam. Despite the potential for flooding during extreme weather events, Hills Creek Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
2235 |
Dam Height |
328 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE FORK WILLAMETTE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2735 |
Hydraulic Height |
317 |
Drainage Area |
389 |
Nid Storage |
356000 |
Structural Height |
341 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 3, Tainter (radial) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
341 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
M F Willamette R Ab Salt Cr.
|
488cfs |
Mf Willamette River Blw N Fork
|
5530cfs |
Winberry Creek Near Lowell
|
332cfs |
Row River Above Pitcher Creek Near
|
1910cfs |
Fall Creek Blw Winberry Creek
|
2900cfs |
So Fk Mckenzie River Abv Cougar Lake Nr Rainbow Or
|
1780cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Packard Creek Campground
Packard Creek Group Campsite
Packard Creek
Salmon Creek Falls Campground
Blue Pool Campground (Middle Fork Ranger District)
Sand Prairie Campground
Hills Creek Dam
Hills Creek Lake Near Oakridge
Forest Road 2100-019 Lane County
Confluence With Echo Creek To Hills Creek Reservoir