Summary
With a structural height of 24 feet and a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, this reservoir serves the local agricultural community by providing water for irrigation. Situated in a remote location with no downstream settlement, the reservoir is located on Swamp Creek in Harney County, covering a surface area of 1.4 acres and draining a watershed of 3.96 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, the reservoir is subject to state regulation and inspection, with the Oregon Water Resources Department overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate) mechanism, and the reservoir has a maximum discharge capacity of 530 cubic feet per second. The last inspection was conducted in December 2018, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 6 years. While the condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," the reservoir continues to play a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Swamp Creek Reservoir offers a glimpse into the intersection of water management, irrigation, and infrastructure in a rural setting.
Year Completed |
1925 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
SWAMP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
3.96 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Swamp Creek Reservoir (Harney)