Vanderveer Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Vanderveer Dam, located in Drewsey, Oregon, is a private-owned earth dam constructed in 1920 primarily for irrigation purposes along Dry Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Standing at a height of 45 feet with a hydraulic height of 23 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 17.16 acres. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Vanderveer Dam is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it has a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second and serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. The dam is situated within the Portland District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Oregon. Despite its lack of a spillway and outlet gates, Vanderveer Dam plays a crucial role in water management and irrigation efforts in Harney County.
Managed by private owners, Vanderveer Dam is a significant feature in the local landscape, providing essential water storage and distribution for agricultural activities in the region. With its historical significance dating back over a century, the dam continues to serve as a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical structures for the benefit of the community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
164 |
Dam Height |
45 |
River Or Stream |
DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17.16 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Structural Height |
45 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
45 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Vanderveer Dam