Clear Creek Reservoir-West Fork Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Clear Creek Reservoir-West Fork, located in Baker, Oregon, is a privately owned earth dam structure completed in 1924 for irrigation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The reservoir, situated on the West Fork of Clear Creek, has a maximum storage capacity of 257 acre-feet and covers an area of 34.3 acres. With a significant hazard potential and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, the dam is inspected every three years to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations enforced by OWRD.

The dam stands at a height of 16 feet and a structural height of 24 feet, with a length of 255 feet. Its primary purpose is to support irrigation activities in the area, utilizing a slide (sluice gate) outlet for water release. Despite its age, Clear Creek Reservoir-West Fork remains a crucial water resource for the region, serving the agricultural community and providing essential water storage during dry periods. The dam is located within the jurisdiction of the state and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to uphold its structural integrity and safety standards.

As part of the Walla Walla District, the dam is not operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers but is under the oversight of the Oregon state regulatory agency. Given its location and purpose, Clear Creek Reservoir-West Fork plays a vital role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the region. Its historical significance, coupled with its practical utility for irrigation, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such essential water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions and water resource demands.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

255

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

WEST FORK OF CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34.3

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

1.22

Nid Storage

257

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

24
       
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.