Pony Creek - Lower, also known as Merrit Reservoir, is a vital water resource located in Coos Bay, Oregon.
Wind
Humidity
Owned by a public utility, this dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, with a maximum storage capacity of 400 acre-feet and a surface area of 27.8 acres. Completed in 1988, the earth dam stands at 32 feet in height and spans 300 feet in length, providing essential water resources to the surrounding community.
Despite its importance, Pony Creek - Lower poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. With a moderate risk rating of 3, this dam is in need of urgent attention to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. The inspection frequency is set at 1 year, with the last assessment conducted in September 2021. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway type, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1150 cubic feet per second.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and address the condition of Pony Creek - Lower to mitigate potential risks and ensure the continued availability of water supply in the region. With state regulation and oversight from the Oregon Water Resources Department, efforts should be made to improve the dam's condition and emergency preparedness measures to safeguard both the dam infrastructure and downstream communities from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
Pony Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
27.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
3.86 |
Nid Storage |
400 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
38 |
Little Wolf Creek Near Tyee
|
1cfs |
South Fork Coquille River At Powers
|
121cfs |
Umpqua River Near Elkton
|
1270cfs |
North Umpqua River At Winchester
|
913cfs |
South Umpqua River Near Brockway
|
242cfs |
Siuslaw River Near Mapleton
|
516cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bluebill Campground
|
||
Bastendorff Campground
|
||
#69 & 70
|
||
Rooke - Higgins County Park
|
||
Blue Ridge Trails Staging Area
|