Stimmel Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Stimmel Reservoir, located in Malheur County, Oregon, is a private irrigation reservoir on Cherry Creek with a dam height of 17 feet and a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1921, this earth dam spans 600 feet and serves as a vital water resource for agricultural activities in the area. The reservoir has a surface area of 3 acres and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles, making it a key component in the local water management system.

Despite being privately owned, Stimmel Reservoir is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With a low hazard potential and a needle outlet gate system in place, the reservoir has a history of safe operation. While its condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," the last inspection in August 2012 indicated that the structure is well-maintained and continues to provide essential irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural lands.

Stimmel Reservoir's strategic location in the Rome area, along with its historical significance and ongoing importance for irrigation purposes, showcases the intersection of water resource management and climate resiliency in Oregon. With its state-regulated status and adherence to inspection protocols, this reservoir stands as a testament to the sustainable utilization of water for agricultural needs in the region. As water enthusiasts and climate advocates continue to emphasize the importance of responsible water management, Stimmel Reservoir serves as a tangible example of how infrastructure can support both environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.

Year Completed

1921

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

CHERRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

300

Structural Height

17

Outlet Gates

Needle

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.