Drews Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Drews, located in Lake County, Oregon, is a privately owned irrigation dam on Drews Creek completed in 1914.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 60 feet and a storage capacity of 65,000 acre-feet, this rockfill dam serves the crucial purpose of providing water for agriculture in the region. Despite being regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department and inspected regularly, Drews has a high hazard potential due to its condition being assessed as fair.

The dam's structure, with a hydraulic height of 55 feet and a structural height of 63 feet, covers a surface area of 4754 acres and has a drainage area of 212 square miles. It boasts a maximum discharge capacity of 2900 cubic feet per second, making it a key component in managing water resources in the area. The dam is equipped with needle outlet gates, and its last inspection in August 2020 revealed an overall fair condition, prompting ongoing risk management measures to ensure its safety and functionality.

Managed by a private entity, Drews plays a critical role in the irrigation infrastructure of the region, supporting agricultural activities and water supply. As climate change continues to impact water resources, monitoring and maintaining the dam's integrity are vital for sustainable water management in Lake County, Oregon. With its historical significance and practical importance, Drews stands as a testament to the enduring value of water infrastructure in adapting to changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

DREWS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

4754

Hydraulic Height

55

Drainage Area

212

Nid Storage

65000

Structural Height

63

Outlet Gates

Needle

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

63
       
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.