Brown Reservoir (Harney) Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Fork Reservoir Mahon Reservoir
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Brown Reservoir (Harney) is a privately owned water resource located in Riverside, Oregon, along Dry Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1923 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam stands at 32 feet high and has a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 800 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 60 acres and serves a drainage area of 17.8 square miles, providing essential water supply for agricultural activities in the region.
Managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department, Brown Reservoir has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam is inspected every 6 years, with the last assessment conducted in August 2012. While no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared for the reservoir, its risk management measures and inundation maps are yet to be determined. Despite these gaps, Brown Reservoir plays a crucial role in sustaining water resources for irrigation in Harney County and highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure long-term water supply and safety.
With its historical significance dating back almost a century, Brown Reservoir stands as a testament to the vital role of water infrastructure in supporting agricultural activities in Oregon. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regulatory oversight of reservoirs like Brown are essential to safeguarding water supplies for future generations. By staying vigilant in monitoring and managing the reservoir's condition, stakeholders can ensure its continued reliability in meeting irrigation needs and adapt to evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1923 |
Dam Length |
190 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
60 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
17.8 |
Nid Storage |
1100 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Brown Reservoir (Harney)