Cougar Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Cougar Dam, located on the South Fork McKenzie River in Oregon, was completed in 1963 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This rockfill dam stands at 473 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 220,000 acre-feet. However, a recent risk assessment has identified the dam's hazard potential as high, particularly in the event of an extreme earthquake that could lead to overtopping and potential failure.

To address this risk, the USACE is conducting advanced risk assessments and evaluating seismic performance to determine necessary risk reduction measures. Routine inspections, instrumentation for monitoring dam performance and seismic activity, and emergency response plans are all in place to mitigate potential impacts. With the large downstream population at risk, ongoing efforts to increase community awareness and preparedness for potential flooding events are crucial for ensuring the safety of residents in Eugene, Springfield, and surrounding areas.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1600

Dam Height

473

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK MCKENZIE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

1280

Hydraulic Height

467

Drainage Area

208

Nid Storage

220000

Structural Height

519

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

519
       
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.