Little Three Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Three Creek Sparks
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Little Three Creek is a federally owned dam located in Deschutes, Oregon, with the primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Managed by the USDA Forest Service, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. While the dam is classified as low-hazard, it is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Oregon Water Resources Department to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 15 feet, and the dam itself stretches 275 feet in length. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, Little Three Creek is subject to regular inspections every 10 years, with the last one conducted in November 2019. Despite not having a condition rating, the dam is equipped with uncontrolled outlet gates and is situated in an area considered to have a moderate risk level, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and operation of dams will find Little Three Creek to be a fascinating case study. With its federal ownership, state regulation, and moderate risk assessment, this irrigation dam serves as a reminder of the critical role infrastructure plays in water resource management. As the USDA Forest Service oversees its construction, inspection, and operation, the dam's presence in the Sisters area of Oregon underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to safeguard against potential risks and ensure a sustainable water supply for the community.
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
8 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Driftwood Campground
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Three Creek Meadow Campground
|
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Three Creek Lake
|
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Three Creek Meadow Horse Camp
|
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Three Creek Lake Campground
|
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Three Creek Meadow
|
Little Three Creek
Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail Deschutes County