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