Van Raden Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Van Raden is a private dam located in Multnomah County, Oregon, specifically in the city of ORENCO.


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Summary

Built in 1975, this Earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and spans 320 feet in length, with a primary purpose of irrigation. It is regulated by the Oregon Water Resources Department and has a high hazard potential, although its condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in September 2020.

Situated on Rock Creek, Van Raden has a maximum storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 96 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 2.5 square miles. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway type. While it has not been modified in recent years, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 750 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam is maintained and inspected regularly to ensure its continued safe operation for irrigation purposes.

Overall, Van Raden serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in Oregon, providing essential irrigation water for the surrounding area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and manage dams like Van Raden to ensure their structural integrity and safety, especially in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water demands. By staying informed about the condition and management of such dams, we can work towards sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

ROCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.5

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

2.5

Nid Storage

115

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

27
       
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.